Ilya Levitin is the music teacher at East Elementary and he and Matthew (aka "Unisons" Piano and Cello Jazz Duo) will be performing a 45 minute set on Tuesday, October 20th at 8pm in the Paella Restaurant in Norwalk.
http://www.ilyacello.com/jazz-duo.html
Friendship for Integrated Development Association (FIDA)
In 2007, the late Linda O’Neill exchanged a kind smile and conversation with an employee at her bank in Dublin, Ireland. By the end of the conversation, Linda had learned of the intense challenges that countless people are faced with every day in Ethiopia. Without hesitation she committed both financial and emotional support to help alleviate as much of this unnecessary suffering as possible. Five years later, in September 2011, SQ Foundation opened a new kindergarten in Addis Ababa in honor of Linda’s commitment. In order to gain access to public school, children in Ethiopia must attend kindergarten. It is a vital first step and hurdle most families simply cannot afford or navigate alone, as the majority of at-risk children take to the streets to supplement the family income. They beg, sell goods or turn to prostitution or forced labor to help feed and clothe their families.
In 2012, SQ Foundation committed to bring hope, education, and opportunity to 200 of these children and their families. We are pleased to announce that with your help, all 200 families have been supported throughout 2012, 2013 and 2014, and the program continues to be a great success! SQ Foundation provides each child with a full year of school, including school fees, supplies, uniforms and health care, while also assisting that child's family with a portion of the costs of food, lodging, and other basic necessities for that entire year. This vital program allows them the chance to break the cycle of poverty. Every child deserves a chance.
97% of donated funds arrive at the source, getting basic human necessities to where they are needed the most - effectively and with love.
Ilya Levitin
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 withthe 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 De Troy
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