Elena et les garçons
- the most well-known multilingual project in Russia.
The project's goal is to immerse listeners in the unique atmosphere of different countries by preserving foreign traditions and culture from the Soviet era in the musical program.
REPERTOIRE
The group's repertoire consists of popular hits, pop classics, and jazz in 7 languages.
This is a musical encyclopedia that is available in French, Italian, Spanish, German, English, and Georgian. In contrast to Western compositions, the band performs a program of favorite Soviet retro and wartime songs.
The hallmark of the group is the French musical program, which tells stories about the legendary Paris through great songs of French chanson and pop music. Lyrical ballads by Jacques Brel and Joe Dassin, theatrical compositions by Edith Piaf and Dalida, sensual melodies by Patricia Kaas and Charles Aznavour, fervent songs by ZAZ and many other performers
The fundamental criteria for composition selection are delicacy and appropriateness. Elena et les garçons' performances combine intelligence with the brilliance of musical performance.
PERFORMANCE
The main feature of the team is that its creator and soloist, Elena Lipaeva, is a polyglot singer. She was born and raised in Europe and has devoted a significant amount of time learning languages from childhood. French is as native language to her as Russian. In addition to French, Elena is also proficient in English, Italian, Spanish, German, and Georgian.
The stage charm of the soloist combines two amazing qualities: emotionality and elegance, and her performances have a unique european winsome charm. Therefore, the band’s performances look appropriate at closed receptions with world-famous politicians, at the draw of the World Cup, at Protocol events and diplomatic receptions, at corporate events of large companies (GAZPROM, Russian Railways, Sibneft), at large open festivals (The Days of French Culture at the “Flacon” design factory), and on the stages of the Philharmonic halls. Thanks to its impeccable taste and knowledge of the material, Elena et les Garçons collaborates with the embassies of France and Monaco.
For several years the band has been successfully conducting concert activity, performing on radio and television (the channel One, Life news, MIR, Rustavi and many others). In 2016, solo concert was held at the State Kremlin Palace. In February 2018, the band released the first solo album "Stories", which was successfully presented with the chamber orchestra at the Mayakovsky Moscow academic theater. In 2019 the bans presented a new program as well accompained by the orchestra on stage of Moscow Performing Arts Center - the program is called "Time-Travel" and represents songs in seven languages.
Fans regularly attend performances of Elena et les garçons in Philharmonic halls across the country, at music festivals and in famous Moscow jazz clubs “Forte”, “Union of Composers”, “Esse”, Alexey Kozlov’s Club, Butman’s club, JAM Club by Andrey Makarevich etc. The band tours extensively in Russia, CIS and Europe. The band successfully performed in France, Latvia, Germany, Croatia and USA. And recent gigs in Krasnodar, Abrau-Durso, Surgut, Petrozavodsk, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg and many other cities gathered full halls.
Elena Lipaeva
creator, frontwoman and artistic director of the band
Born in Luxembourg, Elena has lived in Russia and Europe since her childhood. Elena graduated from the Moscow State University of Culture and Arts with a degree in Vocal class, and has lived and studied in Norway, Germany, and other countries. She writes music, and soon plans to release an album. By the way, the name "Elena et les garçons" was not chosen at random. Elenа́ is the French equivalent of the name Elena, and the girl was given that name at birth.
Alexander Kuchin
guitar
Graduated from the Maimonides Classical Academy, before joining the band he played in the big band and worked in the Theater of Satire. Now, in addition to working in the band, he teaches and plays in the Russian state symphony orchestra of cinematography directed by Sergei Skripka.
Mikhail Lutskov
bass guitar
He graduated from the Novosibirsk College of music and MSPU, and then worked with many artists, including Mark Tishman, Dmitry Pevtsov, Mara, Danila Dunaevsky.
Nikolay Khomenko
piano / keyboard
Graduate of the Gnessin Academy of Music with a degree in Composition. Works in various genres, from jazz to electronic music. Collaborates with artists such as Maxim Pokrovsky, Nogu Svelo, MiyaGi & Andy Panda, and others. She is the founder of an instrumental music project that incorporates jazz, classical and electronic elements. Composes music for films.
Valeriy Dedov
drums
In his youth, he was preparing to become a professional hockey player, but his passion for music was stronger than his love for sports. Valery graduated from the Gnessin Academy and worked with the jazz band "Phonograph", the band "Alliance", Lera Masskva and many other artists. In addition to working in a band, Valery also teaches and is an artist in the orchestra of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.