Dubrava Next is a contemporary Russian folk ensemble inspired by the power of the human voice, traditional polyphonic singing and the rich heritage of folk culture. For us, folk music is not a museum artifact or a memory of the past. It is a living source of energy, cultural memory and artistic expression that continues to resonate in the modern world.
Founded in the Ural region of Russia, in the city of Chelyabinsk, the project has gradually grown beyond its geographical roots. Today, Dubrava Next represents a creative journey that connects traditional folk heritage with contemporary musical thinking, live performance and new artistic forms.
At the heart of the ensemble has always been a cappella singing — the pure human voice capable of conveying emotion, depth and atmosphere without unnecessary embellishment. Polyphonic vocal traditions shaped the foundation of the project and remain an essential part of the Dubrava Next sound today.
Traditional Heritage in a Contemporary World
We believe that tradition can sound contemporary, meaningful and relevant to new generations. Folk culture remains alive as long as it continues to reflect human emotions, collective memory and personal experience.
Dubrava Next seeks to preserve this connection — between voice and time, between cultural roots and modern creativity, between heritage and a new musical language.
From left to right: Yulia Chupina, Olga Kudakaeva, Dmitry Slivka, Vitaly Romanenko, Liliya Sitdikova, Anastasia Pakhomchik and Liliya Maksimova, artistic director of Dubrava Next.
Festivals, Stages and Cultural Events
Over the years, the ensemble has performed at festivals, competitions and cultural events across Russia and abroad, appearing on stages in Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk, Smolensk, Orenburg, Zaraysk and Petropavl in Kazakhstan.
Dubrava Next is a laureate of numerous Russian and international festivals while remaining committed to its core values: respect for folk culture, authentic live performance and continuous artistic exploration.
Living Heritage and Contemporary Sound
Folk music preserves far more than melodies. It carries human experience, character, resilience, emotional truth and a sense of inner freedom.
An important part of the ensemble’s artistic legacy is connected to Anatoly V. Glinkin, a researcher and collector of Cossack musical traditions and mentor to the ensemble’s artistic director.
Many songs in the Dubrava Next repertoire originate from his folklore collections, preserving authentic melodies, vocal traditions and the living spirit of folk culture.
For us, creativity is not an imitation of the past. It is an attempt to hear and share what remains timeless and meaningful across generations.