There's plenty of talk about how Russia is dark and dismal, its writers pathologically depressed, and the general mood among the populace about as cheery as a Siberian winter. These stereotypes give short shrift to Russian humor...

How many characters are in Tolstoy's War and Peace? Could it have been any shorter? Did Tolstoy himself love it or hate it? Find out the answers to these – and more! – questions in this quick list of little-known War and Peace facts.

It is a common trope that Russians never smile. Which of course is interpreted to mean they are unfriendly, gloomy, sullen – positively Dostoyevskian. This, of course, is a complete misreading of body language and cultural norms.

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

Don't be fooled: the old man with a white beard and red coat is not Santa Claus. It's Grandfather Frost! Learn how to tell the two apart with this handy list.

What can we learn about Russia, now and throughout history, from its poetry? This month we try to find out, with help from The Penguin Book of Russian Poetry, to be released later this month, as reviewed in the Nov/Dec issue of Russian Life.

The Washington Balalaika Society will celebrate its 30th anniversary with three world-class domra virtuosi, a master of the balalaika, a brilliant and talented conductor and an orchestra of sixty musicians.

Celebrate the artistry of the San Francisco Symphony when Concertmaster and violin soloist Alexander Barantschik leads a rousing performance of J.S. Bach's ebullient E major Violin Concerto. Then, experience Shostakovich's intense and probing wartime monument, the Eighth Symphony, under the direction of conductor Juraj Valčuha.

The Washington Balalaika Society will celebrate its 30th anniversary with three world-class domra virtuosi, a master of the balalaika, a brilliant and talented conductor and an orchestra of sixty musicians.

Enjoy free admission to The Museum of Russian Icons all day, courtesy of the Nypro Foundation.

The Museum of Russian Art is proud to present a special midday concert to celebrate the beginning of Days of Russian Culture at The Museum of Russian Art. Please join us! Featuring Minnesota Orchestra Musicians: Assistant Concertmaster Rui du, Celine Leathead, Principal Voila Rebecca Albers, and Principal Cello Anthony Ross Shostakovich String Quartet No. 8.

As part of the 3rd Annual Days of Russian Culture at The Museum of Russian Art, The Luther College Balalaika Ensemble ensemble will perform renowned Russian, Romany, Ukrainian, and Jewish folk songs. We hope you can join us!

Men of Slavyanka Russian Chorus will join with Slavyanka alumni and Yale Russian Chorus alumni from around the country to celebrate Slavyanka's 40 years – and Russia's timeless tradition of male singing! Spiritual hymns, boisterous folk songs, and much more!

A dog with a human hand for a body, a chameleon with a human profile, and a pensive bear drinking a friendly cup with a soldier: these are some examples of the creatures that inhabit the universe of Sergei Isupov, the Russian born, Massachusetts based sculptor and painter.

Learn to paint in the Zhostovo style with Tricia Joiner – one of the world's leading authorities and teachers. This three project course is designed for painters who have never painted in this style or want to hone their skills.

Learn to paint the Zhostovo style from one of the world's leading authorities and teachers. This three project course is designed for painters who have never painted this style before or who want a refresher class to hone their skills. Daisies, cornflowers and a classic rose with an ornamental border will be painted. DecoArt will provide the Americana acrylic paints to be used in the classroom.

The Museum of Russian Art is honored to present this dynamic weekend for all to engage in our mission of creating education, engagement, and enlightenment through the art of Russia. Enjoy the art exhibitions in our beautiful galleries and a sampling of cultural events that celebrate the art, culture, history, and people of Russia.

As part of the 3rd Annual Days of Russian Culture at The Museum of Russian Art, the TMORA-affiliated folk group Nitka will present a dynamic night of Russian folk dancing and singing. "Folk Ways: Songs & Dances from Rural Russia" is a concert steeped in the old ritual tradition of Russian circle dances, singing games, solemn ritual events, rare traditional songs from different regional traditions.