Lang Lang International Music Foundation Holds Young Scholars Concert at Steinway Hall

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