It happened in 1994 when, as a result of creative search and efforts of graduate ladies-students of St. Petersburg Academy of Music, the Ensemble of Russian Folk Music Instruments was brought into existence and named "Ivoushka" (the diminuative derivative of the Russian word "iva"-willow), the animated image of which is closely associated in Russian folklore with the idea of the female soul's charm, tenderness and mildness of the female nature. In spirit of a chamber cast of the ensemble comprising a quartet of the following principle instruments: soprano domra, alto domra, bass domra and accordion, the ladies keeping to diversity the instrumental structure of the ensemble, involving various Russian folk musical instruments of different types , such as the reed - pipe and zhaleyka (wood-wind); the psaltery (strings); the tambourine, wooden spoons, rubel, rattles (percussion).
 A part from arrangement of the folk songs and dances - this genre has already become traditional for ensembles of Russian folk instruments - ladies are bringing in the repertoire new ideas which provide a mean for increasing of the possibilities to realize creative potential of the musical body. This approach is practically implemented in direction of the attention to the works of Russian composers of the 19-20 centuries and contemporary ones. Collaboration with vocalists, resulted in the concert programs of romances and folk songs, provides one of the most important trends in the ensemble activity, which allows to reveal new potentialities of the collective.
 Ensemble has taken part in the World Accordion Competition in Klingental -97 (Germany), has visited the United Kingdom with concerts in East Anglia (Harwich , Clacton , Colchester), done a concert tour in Germany, Denmark and participated in the following festivals: Jutajaiset - 97 (Finland), Ringe - 97 , Bindslev - 97 (both Denmark) and Ranseter - 97 (Sweden), Copenhagen-2001(Denmark).
 Concert performances of the Ensemble are always successful with the public and give pleasure to the audience as well, as to the ladies of the ensemble.
 We're hope that the acquaintance with the creative activity of the Russian folk musical instruments ensemble "Ivoushka" will bring a lots of happy moments .