Duo to hold violin-piano ‘concert for peace’ in Oakland, Calif.

            Violinist Matthew Szemela                                Pianist Hiyas Hila  

OAKLAND, California – A concert violinist and a pianist will perform works of several composers representing some countries that have recently suffered from acts of violence and injustice.

Violinist Matthew Szemela and pianist Hiyas Hila will perform in a duo recital on Oct. 30 at Saint Jarlath Catholic Church, 2620 Pleasant Street, Oakland, at 4:00 pm. The concert is for the benefit of St. Jarlath Catholic School.

The artists conceived the concert as a “prayer” or a “musical tribute” to all innocent victims of acts of violence. They will perform works of several composers representing countries such as France (Ravel’s violin sonata), Belgium (Franck’s violin sonata), Germany (Beethoven’s “Spring” Sonata), the Philippines (Molina’s “Hating-Gabi”) and the United States (John William’s “Theme from Schindler’s List”).

The New York Times praised Matthew Szemela for his “outrageous fiddling.” He has toured the US, Europe and Asia extensively and appeared with artists as diverse as Sting, Lana Del Rey, Beyonce Knowles and Placido Domingo. He currently performs with the Berkeley Symphony, Quartet San Francisco, Rupa and April Fishes, Alta California and other Bay Area ensembles encompassing a wide range of genres.

Dr. Hiyas Hila holds degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (B.M. and M.M., with Mack MacCray as her mentor) and the University of Minnesota (D.M.A., with Lydia Artymiw as her teacher). An active solo, orchestral and chamber music performer, she has been a featured artist in concerts in the Philippines, Spain and the United States. Her “dazzling tones and well-nuanced keyboard artistry” have received praises from critics.

Tickets will be sold at the door and online at https://concert4peace.bpt.me: $15 for general admission and $12 for seniors and students. Call 510-532-2068 for more information.