About this Event
Join us for an evening of music that brings together classical and jazz in a unique two-piano concert. The program features works by Franz Liszt, Dave Brubeck, and Claude Bolling, highlighting the range and energy of these two genres. From the dramatic power of Liszt’s rhapsodies to the rhythmic drive of Brubeck and Bolling’s jazz-infused pieces, this performance showcases the versatility of the piano and the dynamic blend of musical styles. Enjoy an evening of exceptional music with our talented performers.
🗓 Date: Saturday, November 9th, 2024
🕰 Time: 7 PM (Music starts at 7:30 PM. Doors open at 6:45 PM for mingling and a potluck)
📍Venue: A warm, resonant space perfect for a personal musical experience
Featuring:
- Olena Blagulyak on piano
- Eduard Gavril on piano
- Stephen Martin on double bass
- Arthur Gilligan on drums
Program:
-Romanian Rhapsody, S. 242 - Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
-Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, S. 244/2 – Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
-Points on Jazz (Two Pianos)– Dave Brubeck (1920-2012), arr. Howard Brubeck
I. Prelude
II. Scherzo
III. Blues
V. Rag
VII. Waltz
VIII. A La Turk
Intermission
-Sonata for Two Pianists No. 1 – Claude Bolling (1930-2020)
Why This Evening Is Special:
- Inspiring Performances: Witness amazing performances by highly accomplished musicians, hand selected for their passionate playing.
- Potluck Gathering: Echoing a tradition of community, bring a favorite dish to share, enhancing the warmth and connection of the evening.
- Artist Insights: Engage directly with the performers as they share their personal reflections on the music and its impact.
- Community Connection: Join fellow aficionados and new friends in a setting that fosters deep connections and shared musical journeys.
Secure Your Spot: Space is limited for this exclusive musical gathering. Reserve now to experience a symphony of tastes, tales, and timeless compositions.
Collaborators:
Arthur Gilligan (drums)
Arthur grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he attended the Villa-Lobos School of Music. In 2015, he relocated to Houston and received an Associate of Arts degree from San Jacinto College. He then transferred to the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Percussion Performance with a Teaching Assistantship. He is currently beginning a DMA with a fellowship. Arthur performed with the TCCBDA All-State Jazz Ensemble in 2017, received the Clara Freshour Nelson Scholarship, and was the section leader for the Moores School Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. He has collaborated regularly with notable Houston-area organizations such as the Texas Music Festival and DACAMERA. He currently teaches at San Jacinto College and performs at The Music Box Theater.
Stephen Martin (double bass)
Stephen holds a Master’s degree in Orchestral Performance from the New England Conservatory (2012) and a Bachelor’s in Performance from Sam Houston State University (2009). His diverse musical talents can be heard with Opera in the Heights, Theater Under the Stars, Aperio, and Kory Quinn and the Outfit. With a broad range of musical interests, Stephen is fluent in many genres, bringing a unique and dynamic presence to every performance.
Olena Blagulyak (piano)
Olena Blagulyak is a distinguished Ukrainian pianist currently based in Houston, with a dynamic career in performance and education. She holds a Doctorate in Piano Performance from the University of Houston, where she studied under the guidance of Tali Morgulis and Timothy Hester. Olena is an adjunct piano faculty member at Lone Star College, Kingwood, and serves as the artist-in-residence and artistic director of the Concert Series at Kingwood Methodist Church.
As a versatile artist, Olena co-founded several chamber music ensembles, including the Gavril-Blagulyak Piano Duo and the Knight-Blagulyak Duo. She has showcased her distinctive musical voice in local venues such as the Hobby Center, Candlelight Concert Series, Kawai Piano Gallery, Moores Opera House, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, among others. Her most recent solo engagement featured a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Third Piano Concerto, conducted by Franz Anton Krager, at the Moores Opera House in March 2023.
Olena’s musical foundation was shaped in Kyiv, Ukraine, at the Lysenko Special Music Boarding School. She holds two Master’s degrees in Piano Performance from the Tchaikovsky Conservatory (2009) and Sam Houston State University (2018). A recipient of numerous national and international competition awards, Olena has performed at international festivals such as Ciudad Jamilena (2008, 2009, Jaén), Málaga Clasica in Spain (2016), and the Amelia Island Opera Company in Florida (2024). Her concert career has taken her across the United States, Europe, and South America.
Outside of her musical career, Olena finds joy in nature, yoga, exploring new cultures through travel, and relaxing with her family, friends, and her beloved pug, Daria.
Eduard Gavril (piano)
Eduard Alexandru Gavril is a versatile Romanian pianist, improviser, composer, and educator, whose passion spans classical repertoire, jazz, and electronic music. He brings this diversity to both his performances and compositions, excelling as a soloist and collaborative artist. Eduard has been featured in numerous high-profile musical events, showcasing his adaptability and artistry.
Eduard’s musical journey began at the age of five, studying piano at the Vocational Art School in Târgu-Mureș, Romania. He continued his training at the "Gheorghe Dima" Music Academy în Cluj-Napoca, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance in 2015. He then pursued a Master’s in Collaborative Piano from Sam Houston State University in Texas (2018), followed by a second Master’s in Piano Performance from the University of California, Irvine (2020). Eduard recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Houston in May 2024.
As the son of professional musicians, Eduard made his solo debut at age 12 with the Târgu-Mureș National Orchestra. His love for piano concertos has earned him numerous competition victories, most recently performing as a soloist at the Barclay Theater in Irvine, California.
In addition to his performance career, Eduard is a passionate educator. His teaching philosophy blends his personal educational experiences with mainstream methods, creating enriching learning environments for students of all ages and backgrounds. He currently serves as Adjunct Faculty at Lone Star College Montgomery and San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas.
Outside of music, Eduard enjoys photography, videography, and animation, and finds inspiration in nature and travel.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Home of Jason Herbst, 330 Tynebrook Lane, Houston, United States
USD 0.00
