Jazz in New Canaan - Benefit for the Open Door Shelter in Norwalk

 

The last time I searched for “Jazz in New Canaan” in Google, I was stunned with results. To my dismay, they were less than satisfactory. The most respected search engine insisted that the Upper West Side of Manhattan was the nearest destination where I could hear jazz played that night. Indeed, here is the opportunity to say that even Google makes mistakes! There are many venues in Fairfield County (that I personally know about) where one can hear jazz. Nevertheless, the one fact Google did reflect accurately was that there is no such place in New Canaan.

These  “poor” New Canaan jazz statistics will soon be changed. On Wednesday, April 29, the Performing Arts Conservatory of New Canaan will host the Cello and Piano Jazz Duo composed by Ilya Levitin on cello and Matthew DeTroy on piano. The dynamic duo will present an evening of jazz standards and timeless American Song Book favorites. The collaboration of a classically trained Russian cellist and a Berklee trained American pianist will surely create an experience not to be missed.

Ilya Levitin was born in Moscow and, after immigrating to the US, finished his classical cello studies at the Manhattan School of Music. Though Ilya has been touring Europe and the US as a classical cellist, improvisation remains his passion. His collaboration with the Manhattan-based improvisational opera company “Play it by Ear” started the shift in his performing carrier. A  combination of his classical cello technique and the “Russian” cello sound makes it a unique take on the jazz repertoire.

Matthew DeTroy attended Berklee College of Music in Boston studying jazz piano and composition. Matthew performs extensively with several jazz bands in the local Fairfield area and has been involved in many recording projects. Matthew's brilliant piano technique in conjunction with his impeccable mastery of intuitive ensemble skills makes every performance an exciting endeavor. He can be heard playing jazz every Monday night at Fat Cat Pie in Norwalk with his jazz quartet. 

This is not the first time these musicians are volunteering for the Open Door Shelter. Previously, Ilya has provided the Shelter’s younger residents with weekly strings instruction and Matthew has organized a benefit recital at the Fat Cat in Pie in Norwalk. Both musicians think of this recital as another opportunity to help the residents of the Shelter. 100 % of the funds generated will benefit the Shelter's Family Fund. The Family Fund was originally created to assist residents moving to affordable housing in need of all essential household items.

If you like the idea of a midweek evening stroll to a local venue (versus a tiresome drive to the Upper West Side of Manhattan) where you can indulge in your favorite tunes by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and George Gershwin - to name a few – stop by the  Performing Arts Conservatory of New Canaan (70 Pine St.) on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 pm. Admission is by donation.

You can find more information by visiting: www.ilyacello.com