38 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 3-9, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC For classical pianist Anna Fedorova, her career is not just about concert stages. “Hailing from Ukraine, my family and I have seen and felt the abject horrors of this war,” she says. “I needed to try to make a difference and help.” The result is the Davidsbündler Music Academy, located in the heart of The Hague, Netherlands, which she founded with fellow musician and husband Nicholas Schwartz in 2022. Her mother Tatiana and her father Boris, both gifted concert pianists, serve as teachers at the Academy. Composer Robert Schumann created the Davidsbündler society. “In his writings, the fictional members of the Davidsbündler society were representatives of a free-spirited, progressive and open-minded society,” Fedorova explains. “These ideals are essential qualities of true artists and embody the modus operandi of our school.” While the school accepts students of all stripes, since its inception, the academy has had a special focus on providing top-quality musical education to Ukrainian refugees who have fled to the Netherlands. “We provide host families for lodging and full scholarships to young talented pianists and string players from low-income families,” Fedorova says. She has also given over 70 concerts, both solo and with the Ukraine Freedom Orchestra, to benefit the refugees thus far. A bona fide child prodigy, the musical environment in her home served her well growing up. “There was always the constant sound of piano music in the house,” she recalls. “There was no pressure for me to play piano, but I liked it better than the violin they got me when I was 6. It was so hard to just get a sound out of that instrument.” For her program in Carmel this weekend, Fedorova has chosen a wide-ranging variety of pieces, including a somber, etheric work called “The Messenger” by Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, in which the composer, grieving the loss of his wife, seeks to receive a message from her from the other side; two mellow Chopin Nocturnes from Opus 27; and Beethoven’s boisterous “Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57”—all in the first half. After the break, she will wrap the outing with the well-loved, technically demanding “Pictures at an Exhibition” (1874) by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky. Anna Fedorova plays 3pm Sunday, April 6. Sunset Center, San Carlos Street at 9th Avenue, Carmel. $42-$62. 62-9938, carmelmusic.org. CHANNEL CLASSICS RECORDS Key Moment Ukrainian pianist Anna Fedorova plays a solo concert with a purpose. By Paul Fried Anna Fedorova gave her first recital at 7 years old. “At a fairly young age I understood the way my playing could affect the entire trajectory of my future life,” she says. The Peninsula’s Downtown Shops, restaurants, hotels and businesses Spend some time with us Downtown… oldmonterey.org 11:30am-close, 10am Sat & Sun 484 Washington Street Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 www.melvilletav.com WOOD FIRED PIZZAS, BURGERS, PASTA, SAlADS & SANDWICHES INDOOR, PATIO DINING & TAKEOUT HAPPY HOUR FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS SUN-tHUR 4-6PM wEEKEND BRUNCH Reflections Elegante Gallery 271 Alvarado Mall, 831.238.3125 Across from Portola Hotel and Spa reflectionselegantegallery.com Visit Reflections Elegante Fine Art Gallery to be enchanted by stunning artwork by 30 talented local artists. 447 Alvarado St • Monterey • 375-5332 www.gaspersjewelers.com Voted Monterey’s Best Jewelry Store 20 years 44 Domenico’s on the Wharf features Cioppino–a house specialty, Boat to Table Wild Alaskan Salmon, Oysters Rockefeller are a sample of the many great menu choices. Also enjoy Fine Wines and Cocktails, Desserts and Great Service. A local favorite celebrating 43 YEARS on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. 50 OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF MONTEREY • 831-372-3655 www.domenicosmonterey.com Open Daily 11:30am to close Fresh Seafood, Italian Classics, Prime Steaks, with Beautiful Harbor Views. Make Easter Weekend Reservations!
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