Faliks•Cani Piano and Violin Duo • Summer 2023 Concert Artist Interview

What’s better than an afternoon performance by a maestro musician? That would be an afternoon performance by two maestros! We are excited to have The Faliks•Cani Piano and Violin Duo on June 25, 2023 to officially open The Athena Foundation for the Arts 2023 Summer Concert Season.

Internationally acclaimed pianist Inna Faliks is back, this time with renowned violinist Roberto Cani for an memorable afternoon of exquisite music accompanied by curated imagery.

Earlier this month, Inna Faliks graced our stage with her riveting Polonaise Fantasy • The Story of a Pianist. The review by Javier Ronceros says it all. Those who missed this program will get another chance to hear her perform on June 25, 2023. BTW – her moving story on which this fantastic program is based, will be published in hardcover later this year. The title is Weight in the Fingertips: A Musical Odyssey from Soviet Ukraine to the World Stage. Fans may pre-order it at this link. I’ve pre-ordered mine and look forward to receiving it in October 2023.

Inna Faliks. Photo Credit LR Wehrli

We look forward to hearing Inna’s and Roberto’s collaborations on Beethoven and Ravel Piano and Violin Sonatas and seeing the beautiful imagery these award-winning musicians have selected for each piece. But first, let’s break the ice and introduce our readers to these wonderful warm musicians. [Roberto was unavailable for comment so Inna filled in for the both of them.]

LRW: What is the story of how you two came to collaborate as a piano and violin duo?

IF: Roberto and I met a few years after I moved to LA with my family to accept my UCLA position. I had been hearing about this wonderful violinist but hadn’t met him yet. Finally, we were introduced at a party and started playing together, both as a trio and as a duo. We became very close friends, and our musical temperaments matched immediately. Music does that – it makes people close, like family.

LRW: Wonderful story. Connections through music are magical that way. With so many beautiful piano and violin duos to choose from, what were the ideas behind your choices for your Athena Foundation for the Arts June 25 concert? Why these composers? Why these Sonatas? Why now?

IF: We hadn’t done the Ravel Sonata together, and both of us love the composer and play/record him a lot. Beethoven sonatas we have done together a lot.
This music is timeless and for life, so each performance is a layer of experience and something new. No two can ever be alike really.

LRW: Thanks for the insight. Beautifully worded. May I ask, do you happen to have plans to record these duos?

IF: We do plan to record them so another performance is always a good idea.

LRW: Great! We look forward to the recording when it’s available. Can you hint at the beautiful imagery or lighting effects you’ve selected for your pieces and why they were chosen?

IF: We both believe that this music speaks for itself. Having images of cities or nature that the composers may have experienced will hopefully enhance the experience.

LRW: Agreed! Experiencing music at this high calibre with the immersive imagery will create a remarkable afternoon to remember. Thank you both for taking the time from your full schedules for this delightful and insightful interview.

Eager to attend? Please see below.

CONCERT DETAILS:

Date
Sunday, June 25, 2023

Time
Check-in: 3:15 PM
Concert: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM PDT
Refreshments afterwards

Place
Community Auditorium
Church of Scn of the Valley
11455 Burbank Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 91601
•This concert is hosted exclusively by The Athena Foundation for the Arts.
•It is not a church event.
•The Community Auditorium is made available for rent to nonprofits and other charitable organizations. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us. Thank you.

FREE Parking: Farmdale Avenue lot and street parking

Tickets
Purchase tickets on Eventbrite here or scan the QR code at the door. Cash or Credit card payments by Zettle/Paypal also available. Questions? Please feel free to email us. Looking forward to an inspiring concert!
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