Upcoming Events
An Evening with Michael Drob and Isaac Oksman
Join us for an intimate evening of music featuring acclaimed violinist Michael Drob and talented pianist Isaac Oksman.
This special collaboration brings together classical favorites, popular music, Broadway, and jazz in an evening that promises something for every musical taste.
📅 Date: Saturday, September 19th, 2026
🕡 Reception: 7:00 PM
🎶 Concert Begins: 7:30 PM
Don’t be late or you will miss the magic! 😊)
🎶 Closing Reception: 8:45 PM
📍 Location: Forte Piano Recital Hall: 159 Rte 4, Paramus, NJ
💵 Tickets: $50
online sales end September 18th
CASH ONLY AT THE DOOR $50
🥂Your ticket includes a beautiful show and refreshments.
BYOB
About the Artists
- Michael Drob, violin
Michael is an accomplished violinist and Associate Concertmaster of the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra, who will enchant the audience with his masterful performances. Beyond music, Michael is also the creative force behind the film Stateless. - Isaac Oksman, piano
Isaac Oksman is a pianist, composer, and arranger whose musical style bridges classical music, jazz, and contemporary composition. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Isaac has performed throughout the Boston and New York areas and collaborated with musicians across a wide range of musical styles. In 2022, he won an international song competition for his piano arrangement of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. He currently teaches piano and composition in the Bergen County area.
💛 All proceeds will support critical medical humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
Helping Hands for Ukraine spends 98% of all donated funds directly on charitable programs, with only 2% covering unavoidable expenses such as credit card processing fees and essential fundraising costs.
An Evening with a Legend: Mikhail Voskresensky in Concert
Join us for a truly unforgettable evening — a rare and deeply moving recital by the great Mikhail Voskresensky, one of the last living titans of the Russian piano tradition. This charity concert promises not only world-class artistry, but an opportunity to support a cause that matters.
📅 Date: Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
🕡 Reception: 5:30 PM
🎶 Concert Begins: 6:00 PM (Don’t be late or you will miss the magic! 😊)
📍 Location: Forte Piano Recital Hall: 159 Rte 4, Paramus, NJ
💵 Tickets: $50 in advance, $60 at the door.
🥂 Refreshments: Wine and light bites will be served. Feel free to bring your favorite drink or snack to share!
Why You Can’t Miss It
A storied career spanning more than six decades: Voskresensky’s concert life has taken him across Europe, Asia, North and South America, performing under more than 150 conductors.
Prize-winning virtuosity: He is a laureate of four major international competitions — Schumann (Berlin), Rio de Janeiro, the George Enescu (Bucharest), and the very first Van Cliburn Competition in Fort Worth.
A pioneer in performance: In 1957, he gave the European premiere of Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto — in Prague, with Shostakovich himself in attendance.
Legendary repertoire: His repertoire includes all Beethoven sonatas, the complete works of Chopin, and over 50 piano concertos.
Prolific recording artist: He has recorded more than 50 CDs, including monumental cycles of Mozart concertos and sonatas.
Master teacher: As a longtime professor and chair of the piano faculty at the Moscow Conservatory, his students have won over 120 international prizes, including dozens of gold medals.
Moral courage: In 2022, Voskresensky left Russia in protest of the war in Ukraine — a powerful act of integrity by an artist whose voice carries both musical and human weight.
“IMPOSING, MAGNETIC PRESENCE… PASSION, IMPÉTUOSITÉ, SPONTANEITY, AND ARTICULATION” – LOS ANGELES TIMES
Experience the Magic
Expect a performance that is both technically masterful and deeply soulful. Critics have described Voskresensky’s presence as “imposing, magnetic,” filled with “passion, spontaneity, and subtle articulation.”
Whether you’re a devoted classical music lover or simply curious about hearing a living legend, this is an event you’ll treasure. Seats are limited — don’t miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary.
💛 All proceeds will go toward humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, bringing comfort and vital support where it’s needed most. Together, let’s honor Ukraine’s resilience through the universal language of love.
Helping Hands for Ukraine spends 98% of all donated funds directly on charitable programs, with only 2% covering unavoidable expenses such as credit card processing fees and essential fundraising costs. Every musician donates their time and talent, and the venue is provided free of charge—ensuring that your support goes straight to helping those in need.
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.
Celebration of Ukrainian Music
Join us for a vibrant evening honoring the rich spirit and soul of Ukrainian music. Celebration of Ukrainian Music brings together an exceptional lineup of performers for a program filled with energy, beauty, and cultural pride.
Featuring acclaimed pianist Yuliya Basis and violinist Andy Didorenko, alongside the dynamic Ludmila Koval Band, Yevgeniy Bel’tyukov, and a diverse ensemble of outstanding musicians (see full lineup below), the concert offers a rich musical journey—from beloved folk melodies to contemporary interpretations—capturing the heart of Ukraine’s musical heritage.
📅 Date: Saturday Nov 14, 2026
🕡 Reception: 6:30 PM
🎶 Concert Begins: 7:00 PM (Don’t be late or you will miss the magic! 😊)
📍 Location: Forte Piano Recital Hall: 159 Rte 4, Paramus, NJ
💵 Tickets: $40 per person advance price. $50 later
🥂 Refreshments: Wine and light bites will be served. Feel free to bring your favorite drink or snack to share!
Why You Can’t Miss It
An exceptional performance lineup – Featuring outstanding performers already confirmed (with more to be announced), this evening brings together remarkable musicians united by purpose and artistry.
Advancing the Ukrainian Culture – We are passionate about promoting and advancing Ukrainian culture and music. Stand strong with us, stand up for Ukraine and Ukrainian sovereignty.
Music with real impact – Every ticket directly 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 – This is a night to reflect, to connect, and to stand together through music, resilience, and shared humanity.
About the Artists
Andy Didorenko, violin
Andy made his orchestral debut at age 10 and has since performed with leading ensembles. He is active as a chamber musician, composer, and faculty member at the Kaufman Music Center; his works are widely premiered, published, and recorded in the U.S., and he also leads the contemporary rock fusion ensemble Lost World Band.Yuliya Basis, piano
A pianist and educator who has taught piano at the United Nations International School since 2008 and the British International School since 2010. Born in Orel, Russia, into a musical family, she studied at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. She has served as an accompanist at the Kaufman Music Center for over 15 years and has performed widely in New York and abroad.- Andrey Kompaniyets, guitar and vocal
A heartfelt performer and skilled instructor, Andrey brings soul and passion to every performance with his acoustic guitar and bard songs, often contributing to fundraising initiatives. - Yevgeniy Beltyukov, guitar and vocal
A Ukrainian actor and multi-instrumentalist, Yevgeniy has quickly become an integral part of the U.S. music scene and a dedicated advocate for Ukraine through his work in rock festivals and off-Broadway productions. - Ludmila Koval Band – This talented group has captivated audiences on the East Coast for over eight years, blending jazz, rock, and Ukrainian folk music. Fronted by Ludmila, a Ukraine-born vocalist, the band passionately shares the beauty of traditional Ukrainian melodies.
- Igor Gorynych, piano, bass guitar
Igor is a multi-instrumentalist and key figure in the Ludmila Koval Band, Igor is also the organizer of the popular Echo musical festival. - Boris Zeldin – percussion
Boris is the dynamic percussionist who brings rhythm and energy to the Lyudmila Koval Band. The band has been featured at major cultural festivals and events, showcasing the emotional depth and cultural richness of Ukrainian music to diverse audiences, and Zeldin’s contributions are a key part of that engaging, expressive live experience.
💛 All proceeds will go toward humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, bringing comfort and vital support where it’s needed most. Together, let’s honor Ukraine’s resilience through the universal language of love.
Helping Hands for Ukraine spends 98% of all donated funds directly on charitable programs, with only 2% covering unavoidable expenses such as credit card processing fees and essential fundraising costs. Every musician donates their time and talent, and the venue is provided free of charge—ensuring that your support goes straight to helping those in need.
