The Style of Five are brilliant, charismatic performers of Russian folk music. They also delight in exploring the classical genre with their own unique instrumentation and arrangements. Each musician is a highly respected expert on these complex Russian traditional instruments, and the group's performances in Russia, Europe, Japan and the U.S. are cheered for their virtuosity, imagination and the sheer joy and fun of their programs.

Founded in 1993, the Style of Five brought together the leading musicians of St. Petersburg whose aim was to look at traditional Russian folk instruments in a new way. The group's first appearance took place in Norway in 1993. In autumn 1994 the ensemble represented Russia in a concert tour of the U.S. The same year, the group gave performances in Japan as part of the cultural program dedicated to the signing of the Agreement on Cultural and Economic Cooperation between the Kyoto province and the Leningrad region. The ensemble is a consistent favorite in the Large and Small Halls of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, on the stage of the State Academic Capella, in the Hermitage Theatre and other St. Petersburg stages.

A unique feature of the Style of Five is their imaginative combination of traditional Russian musical instruments with synthesizer. The musicians' ability to experiment and improvise, to explore non-traditional musical forms, allows the group to use their unique combination of old and new instruments in fascinating ways. The musicians are equally proficient in performing solo, duo, trio, quartet, and quintet works, demonstrating a rare flexibility in presenting a wide variety of music. Their ability to fully explore the acoustic potential of their instruments, together with their interesting and diverse programs, have won the hearts of audiences all over the world.

Natalia Shkrebko (domra) was born in Krasnodar, Russia, graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1988 and completed a post-graduate course in domra in 1991. Winner of the first prize at the International Shostakovich Competition in Hannover, Germany, in 1997, she is a professor at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

Irina Ershova (gusli [psaltery] / alto domra) was born in the Vologda region of Russia, graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1992, and completed post-graduate work in 1995, specializing in gusli. Winner of the first prize in the All-Russia Competition in 1990, she teaches gusli at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and School of music.

Valentin Zaviriukha (bayan [accordion] ) was born in Ukraine, and began to study the accordion under the direction of his father. He graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1990, followed by post-graduate work at the same conservatory specializing in accordion. Winner of the Grand Prix of the International Competition in 1994, he teaches accordion at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

Vladimir Karyakin (double-bass-balalaika) was born in St. Petersburg, graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1990.

Evgeny Stetsyuk (composer, arranger, synthesizers) was born in Ukraine, graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1990 in composition, and was a prize-winner in the all-USSR Composers Competition (1987). He is a member of the Union of Composers of Russia, author of two symphonies and a rock opera, as well as works for chamber ensemble and folk ensemble, and theatre music. His works have been performed in the USA, England, France, Sweden, and Bulgaria. He teaches at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and Academy of Culture.