Dances and Dreams – A Celebration of Movement and Imagination
Images: Elza Loginova
FEBRUARY 25 | 6:30 PM
TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN DUE COURSE
Join us for a vibrant concert celebrating the timeless beauty of dance, storytelling, and two iconic French composers.
About the Event
Celebrate the timeless beauty of dance and storytelling with Dances and Dreams, a program that brings together the playful charm of childhood, the vibrant energy of folk traditions, and the magic of fantastical tales. This evening’s concert also honors two significant anniversaries in 2025: the 150th birthday of Maurice Ravel, along with the 150th anniversary of the death of Georges Bizet, two masters of French music whose works continue to captivate audiences worldwide. This evening of music celebrates the enduring legacy of these composers and invites the audience to experience a world of rhythm, imagination, and joy.
About the Artists
Polina Sasko: Polina Sasko, born in 1993 in Ukraine, is a distinguished pianist and educator. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with honors at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz. Since 2022, she has been a piano lecturer at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz and regularly gives masterclasses at the Vere Music Academy in Kyiv. An internationally sought-after soloist, Polina has performed at prestigious events like the VP Bank Classic Festival (Switzerland), Arsonore Festival (Austria), and the Note d’arte Festival (Italy). In 2017, she performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A Major with the KUG Symphony Orchestra at the Musikverein Graz. Her repertoire spans Baroque to Modern works, with a particular focus on contemporary composers like Toshio Hosokawa and her grandfather, Gennady Sasko. Polina is a prizewinner of numerous international competitions, including 1st prizes at the Premio Mauro Paolo Monopoli and Isidor Bajic competitions. She is also dedicated to chamber music and collaborates with renowned musicians and ensembles.
Dmytro Choni: Vienna-based Ukrainian pianist Dmytro Choni is internationally recognized for his technical mastery, virtuosity, and lyrical sensitivity. He gained widespread attention after winning top prizes at major competitions, including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (2022), Leeds International Piano Competition (2021), and the Paloma O’Shea Santander International Piano Competition (2018). His debut album for naïve records, featuring works by Debussy, Liszt, Silvestrov, and Liebermann, will be released in March 2025. Recent performances include debuting with the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai, collaborations with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, and appearances at venues such as the Elbphilharmonie, Lucerne Festival, and Palau de la Música in Barcelona. Choni has performed with renowned orchestras like the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Ukraine National Symphony, and at prestigious festivals including Verbier and Kissinger Sommer. A native of Kyiv, he studied with Milana Chernyavska at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz and is now based in Vienna.