On Oct. 25, 2003, Concerts from Kirkwood presented its first concert in the sanctuary of Kirkwood Presbyterian Church in Springfield and has presented a collection of world-class performances every year since except for one year, during which the venue was being renovated. On Sept. 21, of this year, 10 years later, the tradition will continue with the first of four concerts for the 2013–2014 season featuring a debut performance of the Milan Piano Trio. The trio will present a program with a Latin theme beginning at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 8336 Carrleigh Parkway, Springfield.
Led by locally renowned teacher and performer violinist Diana LeGrand, the trio, consisting of Ms. Legrand, cellist Devree Lewis, and pianist Jason Solounias, brings together three local artists who have distinguished themselves with their solo performances not only locally, but nationally, in Latin America and in Europe. Together they field a broad repertoire of classical, tango, rock and popular music that has placed each of them in high demand individually and which promises to make the trio an audience favorite as well. The Sept. 21 concert will feature a Latin theme with classical compositions by Brazilian Heitor Villa Lobos and others, as well as more contemporary favorites by Argentine tango master Astor Piazzola. Of particular note is a special rendition of Piazzola’s “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” arranged for trio by Maestro Sergio Allejandro Busjle, himself an Argentine and conductor and music director of the Pan American Symphony Orchestra.
The trio is no stranger to Piazzola’s music as LeGrand, the concertmaster of the Pan American Symphony and Lewis, the orchestra’s principal cellist, have performed as soloists with both the full orchestra and smaller ensembles of the organization not only in the metro Washington area, but also in Beirut, Lebanon and Latin America. Notably, one Latin American performance was at the invitation of the president of Peru for an audience that included five heads of state from Europe, Asia and Latin America. Both LeGrand and Lewis are noted for their artistic interpretations of the music, and with the addition of Solounias, make a powerful addition to the small ensemble offerings of the Washington and Northern Virginia area.
Rounding out the season is a Christmas concert featuring the Potomac Brass Quintet on Dec. 14, a St. Patrick’s Day special concert on March 15, 2014 with acclaimed Celtic and pop group Keltish and a performance by classical guitarist Larry Snitzler on May 10, 2014. Each concert will begin at 3 p.m. and will be in the church sanctuary.
Concerts from Kirkwood was established as an outreach ministry of Kirkwood Presbyterian Church with the objective of providing world class music as a gift to the community. All concerts are free of charge with donations accepted. The series is supported entirely and exclusively by donations. Kirkwood is located at 8336 Carrleigh Parkway, which is two blocks east of the intersection of Rolling Road and Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield. For information call 703-451-5320 or go to www.kirkwoodpres.com.