Cirque de la Symphonie
Cirque de la Symphonie is an exciting production designed to bring the magic of cirque to the music hall. For more than 15 years, it has thrilled and bedazzled veteran concert goers and new patrons as they see accomplished aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen perform to live symphony music. They include world record holders, gold-medal winners of international competitions, Olympians and some of the most experienced cirque talent ever seen. Their performances are uniquely adapted to stage accommodations shared with the symphony, and each artist’s performance is choreographed to the music arranged in collaboration with the maestro. When the artists of Cirque de la Symphonie perform in front of the full orchestra, an incredible fusion of these two great art forms takes place. The aerialists and acrobats turn the concert into a three-dimensional entertainment extravaganza, and the orchestra seems to play with enhanced enthusiasm.
Alexander Streltsov is a former Russian aerial artist who started working with famed cirque choreographer Pavel Brun and producer Valentin Gneushev when he was only twelve, performing on Broadway at the Gershwin Theater. The same year he won the gold medal in the competition among international cirque artists at the prestigious Festival Mondial Du Cirque De L’Avenir in Paris. His combination of natural strength, artistic expression, and grace sets his performance apart from other aerialists. Also, known as “Sasha,” he has performed for three Russian presidents and the Bolshoi Ballet, numerous symphonies in the US and Europe, and elaborate theater and stage productions worldwide. He has made many television appearances, such as the star-studded ABC-TV special “Christopher Reeve- A Celebration of Hope” and the PBS nationwide broadcast of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s Fourth of July Celebration. He continues to be a favorite at music halls, where he soars out over the audience in a spectacular display of aerial artistry or when he sets his riveting spinning cube act in motion. Since 2005, he has been a creator and producer of Cirque de la Sympnonie.
Elena Tsarkova, the “Lady in White,” is a graduate of the famed Moscow Circus School and first-place winner of the prestigious National Russian Circus Festival. From “Master of Sports” in gymnastics, Elena developed into a unique and graceful performer with the Big Apple Circus, Switzerland’s Circus Knie, and Germany’s Circus Roncalli. Her combination of contortion, balance, and graceful dance moves made her a major star with Cirque de la Mur in Florida and Circus Circus in Las Vegas. Elena’s experience with major stage and theater productions offers a professional background that allows for a truly elegant performance with the live symphony.
Vladimir Tsarkov provides a spell-binding performance with combinations of mime and juggling feats. A favorite of audience members of all ages, Vladimir’s Red Harlequin act features rings, balls, and electric batons, and he’s even been known to teach the maestro a trick or two! He is a veteran of Circus- Circus, Cirque Ingenieux, and various entertainment productions globally. Vladimir graduated from Russia’s prestigious State College of Circus and Theater Arts and won the gold medal at the Cirque de Demain International Festival in France. His performance with the symphony is pure entertainment.
Sophia Streltsova is a young and talented third-generation circus performer. She began her athletic career at the age of six as a rhythmic gymnast. Currently she competes in many prestigious tournaments around United States and shows outstanding results. Meanwhile, she trains with the most famous Circus artists to develop her artistic skills. While in High school, she also featured in a local Orchestra as a gifted violin player. Although Sophia’s primary skill is hula hoop artistry, she is also skilled in numerous aerial disciplines. Taking her father’s steps, she loves to perform as an aerial artist on Silks and Lyra. Recently started as one of the youngest artists in Cirque de la Symphonie’s roster, it is her stage presence, originality of elements, and choreography that set her apart.
Brandon Grimm was born in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. From a young age he has always been active and energetic, with a passion for music. Starting out as a Gymnast at age 5, then moving into Dance at 9, and finally moving into Aerial and Circus at 20, Brandon has experienced a wonderful life immersed in creativity and movement. His career has taken him to tour nationally and internationally to over 10 different countries. He toured full time with Diavolo: Architecture in Motion from 2011-2014, and was brought back when they competed in Season 12 on America’s Got Talent; To which they made it all the way to the Finals. Currently, Brandon resides in Las Vegas, NV where he performs with Atomic Saloon at the Venetian Hotel. There is nothing like sharing the stage with other performers, and Brandon feels so grateful that he has the honor and privilege of getting to perform with such a wonderful Orchestra tonight.
Lauren Stark is a dancer/aerialist originally from California now resides in Las Vegas. Lauren has performed all over the world, touring with Cirque Mechanics “Pedal Punk,” Imagination Entertainment and the Cherry Bombs to name a few. She performed as a dancer/aerialist in the Jubilee Theatre with “Extravaganza” at the Bally’s hotel and still remains their aerial coordinator. Lauren also works as a coach and choreographer, she recently finished choreographing the aerial acts for Lindsey Stirling’s upcoming international holiday tour.
The amazing strength and balancing act of Acro Duo consists of Vitaliy Prikhodko and Pavel Korshunov. Vitaliy is a native of Ukraine, where he graduated from Kiev State Circus College. He began his career with the National Circus of Ukraine, winning first place at the New Ukrainian Circus Festival. His acrobatic experience includes worldwide tours with Nikulin’s Moscow Circus. Pavel, a native of Voronezh, Russia, is a three-time national champion of Russia, two-time World Champion and two-time Champion of the World Cup in acrobatic sport. A former veteran with Cirque du Soleil’s “Varekai, Pavel is a multi-talented performer on straps, Russian swing, trampoline, and acrobatics. AcroDuo’s performances with Cirque de la Symphonie create spontaneous eruptions of applause and emotion, as they display a stunning display of strength and balance.
Aleksandr Deev began training at the circus school in Moscow, Russia at the age of twelve and went on to study at the Moscow University of Circus and Variety Art. His skills quickly landed him roles in major movie productions and television commercials, along with performances in the Kremlin. His circus work extended to Ukraine and beyond while still a teenager, working with the Moscow Circus and other special projects. He toured the U.S with the Moscow State Circus and found many new opportunities, including Cirque Dreams’ shows at Busch Gardens and Six Flags. Aleks has starred in productions at Beau Rivage Casino, the South Seas Resort Captiva Island and Circus Fantasia, and Hawaii Circus. His multiple talents include spinning cube and electrifying performances on the German Wheel.