Christmas Concert Featuring Classical Pianists Julia Mortyakova of Moscow, Russia and Kacey Link

Online, December 18, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Selections from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet, traditional Christmas carols, and neo-Romantic compositions by female composers will be presented this Saturday evening, December 19 at 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in downtown Miami, Florida.

Dr. Valentin Bogdan has arranged with professional classical pianists Julia Mortyakova of Roumania and Kacey Link to perform a mix of four hand piano duets. The list includes among others selections from

Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker
Cecile Chaminade: Pieces Romantiques
Amy Beach: Summer Dreams
Olga Harris: Six Lyric Waltzes.

Who is Julia Mortyakova? She is a true romantic pianist. Julia Mortyakova brings a unique voice to the instrument - a fresh, yet, mature interpretation of the great masterpieces, as well as new music.

Julia's repertoire ranges from Baroque to the music written today. As a captivating performer, Julia's stage presence has mesmerized audiences around the world.

As an active performing artist, Julia has given solo recitals in Florida, Michigan, New York City, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington D.C., and Moscow, Russia.

She says of the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Miami, Florida, "I love First Church. The instruments there are the best-pipe organ and grand piano. The acoustics are first rate. There is no bad seat in the house. And the architecture is beautiful."

[A virtual tour of the sanctuary can be seen on the church's home page: fumcmiami (dot) com.]

She knows whereof she speaks, for she has performed there previously. She jumped at the chance to perform the Christmas concert with her colleague, Kacey Link.

Kacey Link has performed as both a solo and collaborative pianist in the United States, France, and Switzerland. She has worked as an accompanist/coach for the Lyric Opera and New Theatre of Kansas City. Ms. Link received both a Bachelor of Music in piano performance (2004) and a Master of Music in accompanying (2007) from the University of Kansas.
She attended a number of summer festivals including the Aspen Music Festival and the Cours international de musique.

After the concert, at 6:00 p.m. the audience is invited to stay for Christmas caroling if they like. It will take place just outside of the church on busy Biscayne Boulevard.
The carolers will bless the boulevard with songs and warm wishes for the holiday season. The day will end with singers gathering for hot chocolate and a time of fellowship to talk with the performers.