Last week the Lang Lang International Music Foundation held its Young Scholars Concert at Steinway Hall in New York City, which showcased some of its most celebrated young talent. Founded in 2008 by world- class pianist, Lang Lang, the foundation strives to make music a part of every child's life, regardless of their background. The foundation offers music education programs to children across the world, including the evening's Young Scholars program.
The concert began with 14 year old Aliya Alsafa performing Mozart, Piano Sonata No. 17 in B flat Major Ravel. Aliya has performed for several prestigious concert venues including Carnegie Hall, and Merkin Hall. She has also received a number of awards such as Best Etude at the 107 Seattle International Piano Completion and First Prize at both the state and regional levels.
The concert closed with 19 year old Amir Siraj, who began his performance with Mozart, Piano Sonata No. 17 in B Flat Major Liszt. Amir's performances include the GRAMMY Salute to Classical Music at Carnegie Hall, and at the Joh F. Kennedy Center for teh Performing Arts in Washington D.C. His resume includes the Grand Prize at the Fidelity Investments Young Arts Competition and First Prize at the Harvard Musical Association.
"We believe that music has the power to make the world a better place
and with the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, we strive to
achieve this every day", declared ceo Leszek Barwinski-Brown, as he
welcomed a capacity audience to their first Young Scholars Concert at
Steinway Hall. Lang Lang himself chose the performers--- offering a note
to the program, "My wife, Gina Alice, and I send our love and support
. You’ll forgive us for not being there as were on our honeymoon in
China.”
A disarming talented and stunning Aliya Alsafa,
14, played Ravel, Mozart, Liszt and Morton Gould. With remarkable
command. Amir Siraj 19, now an alumni of the program, played Mozart,
Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. Currently he’s at Harvard, studying both
piano and astrophysics (and a member of the Steinway Young Artist
program).
Among the audience were board members David
Hyrck, Kyle Wool, plus his wife Soo Yu. Also guests Teri Agins, Lady
Liliana Cavendish, Joanna Fisher, Stephanie and John Foster, Barrett
Frelinghuysen, Michèle Gerber Klein, Luchia Hwong Gordon, Sylvia
Hemingway, Kate and Gary Parr, Sana Sabbagh, Klara and Larry
Silverstein, Mengmeng Wang, and Victoria Wyman
Leszek
Barwinski-Brown closed the concert saying, "Without your friendship, we
could have never accomplished and of this" A Moët & Chandon
reception followed.
Victor Roquette, myself
Photos courtesy of PR
