A Symphony of Four Hands: The Shelest Piano Duo at Forte Piano
What an honor and privilege it was to welcome Anna and Dmitri Shelest to Paramus for an extraordinary evening of music!
The Shelest Piano Duo brought world-class artistry to our community, delivering a performance that was as moving as it was captivating. Having graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, Anna and Dmitri made the evening particularly special by sharing their remarkable talent with us in such an intimate setting.
One of the real treats of the evening was simply watching the two of them play together. Seeing four hands dance across a single keyboard — overlapping, intertwining, and moving in seemingly impossible coordination — was mesmerizing. Some of the pieces were incredibly technical, yet the precision and effortless chemistry between the two musicians made even the most challenging passages look natural. It was a rare opportunity to appreciate not only the music but also the extraordinary skill behind it.
The program took us on a wonderful musical journey, featuring works by Bernstein, Copland, Ukrainian composers, and others. Every piece was a pleasure to experience, but the grand finale — Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, performed by Anna and Dmitri together — was an absolute highlight. A spectacular finish to an unforgettable concert!
It was especially wonderful to see so many families in the audience. Many parents brought their children — including young, aspiring musicians — taking advantage of our $20 student tickets. We hope the opportunity to experience artists of this caliber up close will inspire the next generation of musicians and music lovers.
The music was followed by a warm reception, giving guests an opportunity to mingle with the artists, enjoy delicious pastries generously donated by a local bakery, and have their CDs signed by Anna and Dmitri. It was a lovely way to extend the evening and bring everyone a little closer together.
But this concert was about more than music. It was about bringing people together — friends, neighbors, families, and supporters united by a love of music and a shared connection to Ukraine. The warmth and energy in the room reminded us how much a community can accomplish when people come together around something meaningful.
Together, we raised $2,500 for Helping Hands for Ukraine!
That means more medical supplies, more life-saving assistance, and more support reaching the people who need it most in Ukraine.
The war continues, and so do we. We don’t stop. Every concert, every donation, every act of kindness helps us keep going and reminds those in Ukraine that they are not forgotten.
Our heartfelt thanks to Anna and Dmitri for sharing their extraordinary talent and generosity, to Forte Piano Recital Hall for hosting us, to the local bakery for its generous contribution, and to everyone who joined us and made this evening possible.
Let the music continue, and let our support for Ukraine continue with it!
With gratitude,
Helping Hands for Ukraine 💛💙
