Two musical prodigies
Shelest Piano Duo — From the Heart of Ukraine
The Shelest Piano Duo is one of the most distinguished piano duos on the international concert scene. Anna and Dmitri Shelest began their musical training in Ukraine, and their careers have taken them to Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and major concert halls throughout the United States and Europe, as well as performances with major orchestras including the Cincinnati Symphony and Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal.
Fanfare music magazine praised their “stirring performances of rare repertory,” while The New York Times described Anna Shelest’s playing as having a “fiery sensibility and warm touch.”
📅 Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
🕡 Reception: 4:30 PM
🎶 Concert Begins: 5:00 PM — Don’t be late or you’ll miss the magic! 😊
📍 Location: Forte Piano Recital Hall, 159 Route 4, Paramus, NJ
💵 Tickets: $50 per person in advance; $60 later
🥂 Refreshments: Wine and light bites will be served. Feel free to bring your favorite drink or snack to share!
A Love Story of Two Ukrainian Prodigies
Their story begins in Kharkiv, Ukraine, at the prestigious Kharkiv Special Music School, where two extraordinary young musical talents met as classmates.
Anna was only 12 years old when she made her orchestral debut with the Kharkiv Symphony Orchestra, performing Rachmaninoff’s demanding Piano Concerto No. 1. Dmitri had already won his first piano competition at just 11 years old.
The two young prodigies grew up surrounded by music and went on to Northern Kentucky University, where Dmitri studied piano performance on a full scholarship and Anna earned her Bachelor of Music. Anna continued her studies at The Juilliard School, earning her master’s degree.
Today, Anna and Dmitri live in New York City and perform worldwide as the Shelest Piano Duo—a husband-and-wife team whose lives and music have been intertwined since their childhood in Kharkiv.
The Duo made their Carnegie Hall debut in 2018 with Ukrainian Rhapsody, a landmark recording devoted to the music of their homeland and featuring works by Ukrainian composers. The album helped bring the richness of Ukrainian classical music to audiences across the United States and beyond.
Their performances have also become a form of cultural diplomacy. Following one of their appearances, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised the Duo for having “realized diplomacy through music.”
For our For Ukraine concert, the Shelest Piano Duo will bring their extraordinary artistry and deep connection to Ukrainian musical heritage to Paramus. Expect an evening of dazzling four-hand piano playing, powerful performances, and music that celebrates the remarkable cultural tradition of Ukraine.
This is a rare opportunity to experience artists who regularly perform on the world’s great stages—right here in our community, and in support of Ukraine.
Why You Can’t Miss It
- World-Class Performers, Up Close — Experience internationally acclaimed musicians in an intimate chamber setting, with the opportunity to see and hear their artistry at close range.
- Celebrating Ukrainian Culture — Help us promote and preserve Ukrainian music and culture while standing strong for Ukraine and its sovereignty.
- Music with Real Impact — Every ticket supports Helping Hands for Ukraine’s life-saving humanitarian work, delivering medical aid and critical supplies where they are needed most.
- More Than a Concert — An evening to listen, connect, reflect, and stand together through music, resilience, and shared humanity.
💛 All proceeds will support humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, bringing comfort and vital assistance where it is needed most.
Helping Hands for Ukraine directs 98% of donated funds to charitable programs, with just 2% covering unavoidable expenses such as credit card processing and essential fundraising costs. Every musician donates their time and talent, and the venue is provided free of charge—helping ensure that your support goes directly to those who need it most.
Together, let’s honor Ukraine’s resilience through the universal language of music.
