After graduating from the Gnessin Academy in the special class of Alexander Tsygankov, Mr. Omelchenko quickly established himself as one of the most promising folk musicians of his generation, starting his career as a featured domra player with Moscow’s Nekrasov Balalaika Orchestra and then “fleeting up” to the world famous Osipov Balalaika Orchestra, where he performed as a soloist and became one of the Ossipov’s principal arrangers. Additionally, Peter became active with several smaller Moscow folk-instrument ensembles – both playing and arranging – and even appeared in stage and circus productions. Locally, in addition to performing with and occasionally conducting the orchestra of the Washington Balalaika Society, Peter plays with several chamber groups and has taken a growing number of music students under his wing.