Marina’s Piano Journey

May 11, 2012 By 1 Comment

When Yugoslavia-born pianist Marina Arsenijevic performs, her harrowing journey to U.S. citizenship is evident in the emotion and depth of her playing.  You can witness her artistry as The Senior Men’s Club of The Community House in Birmingham (380 South Bates St.) presents Ms. Arsenijevic in concert on May 14th at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30pm).   All proceeds from the concert will benefit The Community House and The Senior Men’s Cub Legacy Endowment Fund.

The program will include Marina’s own stirring arrangements of “Rhapsody in Blue” and “America the Beautiful” in addition to popular classical tunes and Marina’s dramatic original compositions in a unique multi-media presentation.  Tickets are $30 per person.  Reservations can be made by contacting Bill Johnson of the Senior Men’s Club, (248) 646-5538, wdjohnson1128@gmail.com.  Tickets can also be purchased at the front desk of The Community House.

Born in Yugoslavia, Marina Arsenijevic has a superstar reputation in Eastern and Central Europe. Her harrowing journey U.S. citizenship in 2009 was made possible by her sponsor and longtime Senior Men’s Club member (now deceased), Colonel Jack McCuen.

Marina became enamored with the piano at the age of 4 and was only 9 years old when she made her debut solo concert in front of an audience of 2000, performing compositions by Chopin, Beethoven and Brahms. She studied with some of the world’s great piano masters from Yugoslavia, Austria, Italy, Germany and Russia.

The disintegration of Yugoslavia into conflict among its diverse ethnic groups greatly affected Marina’s outlook on life and her music. As the conflicts in Yugoslavia expanded into all out war, Marina witnessed the suffering of ethnic strife firsthand. During the height of the civil wars and ignoring extensive political pressures, Marina challenged the hatred and violence by taking an apprehensive Serbian National Orchestra to Kosovo’s largest music hall to play both Muslim and Christian music to an appreciative standing room audience of Muslims and Christians without a single incidence of violence.

Soon after, Marina was warned to leave the country immediately for her own safety. Avoiding the secret police that were searching for her, she was guided to the US Embassy in Budapest where, by special bipartisan Congressional arrangement, she was able to enter the United States.

Since then, Marina has performed to enthusiastic audiences and standing ovations at major venues such as the Chicago Symphony Center, Toronto Center for the Arts, and she has made two separate sold-out appearances at Carnegie Hall.  Marina’s Emmy nominated Public Television program “Marina at West Point: Unity Through Diversity” has been broadcast to more than 160 Million viewers with over 350 airings by PBS Stations all across the country.

Learn more at http://www.tchserves.org

Filed Under: Classical, Community, Culture, Detroit Inspires, Music Tagged With: , , , ,

Delicious Classical Brunch

January 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Here’s a great idea for a Sunday morning:  Enjoy a delicious brunch followed by a tasty concert from world-class musicians.

That’s what’s on the menu Sunday, March 25,  at  The Community House in Birmingham as it presents its final event in the 2011-2012 “Classical Brunch” series.  Robert deMaine, Artistic Director of the series and Principal Cellist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, will perform with Hai-Xin Wu, violinist and Acting Assistant Concertmaster of the DSO, and Michael Klotz, violist of the renowned Amernet Quartet.  On the program will be trios by Dohnanyi and Beethoven. The program is presented in collaboration with WRCJ 90.9 FM radio.

“This classical brunch series has definitely been a hit,” said Sandi Reitelman, founding Chair of the two-year old program.  “Robert has identified truly wonderful artists and programs – the combination of a nice brunch and that beautiful music on Sunday morning has resonated with people.  And, the warm and comfortable setting of The Community House just adds to the total experience.”

“I am happy to be able to bring this to the community, and am grateful that Sandi and The Community House asked me to do this.  At our recent February concert, which was so well-attended, it became so clear to me that we have added something of real value and importance to the cultural life of Metro Detroit.  I am proud of it,” said   Robert deMaine.  “The concert in March may be one of our best yet.  I love to perform with both Hai-Xin, and Michael, who has been here recently with the Amernet Quartet for the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival.  These trio works are among my favorites.”

The ticket prices are $30 for adults/$12 for children (includes brunch).  Patron tickets, with preferred seating are also available for $50. Concert only seating is available for $10.  Discount Series is offered for Patron Series: 3 concerts for $125 (Patron seats) and Friend Series: 3 concerts for $75 (Friend seats). Doors open at 11:30am followed by the one-hour performance at 12:30pm.

Cecilia Benner is the Artistic Director Sponsor.  Additional support is provided by PNC Foundation.

For reservations/information contact The Community House, 380 South Bates Street, Birmingham, MI 248-644-5832, www.tchserves.org.

Filed Under: Classical, Music, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,