Seven regional folk groups from Russia take the stage of Zellerbach Auditorium at 8 p.m., Thursday, April 17, to showcase diverse Russian folk cultures. Folk artists and craftspersons will display authentic Russian music, dance and traditions from distinct regions of Russia.

Included are the internationally acclaimed all-woman singing group Dorozovsky Folk Ensemble, whose members survived both World War II and Chernobyl and are now in their 60s and 70s; the Mokosha, a troupe of young musicologists who recreate the folk traditions of the Bryansk region; vocalist Natalya Terentyeva from the Volga; and Volnitsa (Freemen) singing Cossack village songs dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Two related events, both in Zellerbach, will accompany the performance: a free panel discussion on Russian village culture at 2 p.m. the day of the show, and a pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m., which is free to festival ticketholders.