BRIDGING CONTINENTS: FRANCE AND SOUTH AMERICA – VIOLIN AND PIANO RECITAL

The Lilia Khakimova and C. Robert Bunch Concert Series

Friday, July 24 | 7:30 PM 

Cultural Center “Our Texas” | 2337 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77005

Suggested Donations: General seats: $30 | First Row Experience: $50 (limited availability) 

Experience a magnificent musical journey across oceans and traditions on Friday, July 24, at the Cultural Center “Our Texas.” Acclaimed musicians Alisiya Boiko (piano) and Mario Zelaya (violin) present Bridging Continents: France and South America, a recital exploring the lush, romantic elegance of César Franck’s iconic Sonata in A Major alongside the brilliant, evocative colors of Heitor Villa-Lobos’ solo piano suite A Prole do Bebê. The evening culminates in the searing, seductive passion of Astor Piazzolla, featuring his serene Ave Maria and the electrifying Le Grand Tango in a celebrated arrangement by Sofia Gubaidulina.

Program:

Cesar Franck (1822 – 1890) – Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano

I. Allegretto ben moderato

II. Allegro

III. Ben moderato: Recitativo-Fantasia

IV. Allegretto poco mosso

INTERMISSION

Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887 – 1959) – Piano suite “A Prole do Bebe” (The Baby’s Family) No. 1

1. Branquinha (A boneca de louça)/Little Light-skinned Girl (The Porcelain Doll)

2. Moreninha (A boneca de massa)/Little Dark-skinned Girl (The Papier-mâché Doll)

3. Caboclinha (A boneca de barro)/Little Mestizo Girl (The Clay Doll)

4. Mulatinha (A boneca de borracha)/Little Mulatto Girl (The Rubber Doll)

5. Negrinha (A boneca de pau)/Little Black Girl (The Wooden Doll)

6. A pobrezinha (A boneca de trapo)/The Little Poor Girl (The Rag Doll)

7. O polichinelo/Punch

8. A bruxa (A boneca de pano)/Witch (The Cloth Doll)

Astor Piazzolla (1921 – 1992) – “Ave Maria”

Astor Piazzolla, arr. Sofia Gubaidulina (1931 – 2025) – “Le Grand Tango”

Mario Zelaya, Violin

Hailed for his early technical brilliance, Honduran-born violinist Mario Zelaya made his solo debut at age 15 during a tour of Central America and was soon after appointed concertmaster of the Honduran Philharmonic. He achieved international recognition during his graduate studies, winning first prize at the Cremona International String Competition in Italy, along with special awards for Best Bach and Best Virtuoso Piece.

An exceptionally versatile artist, Zelaya has performed extensively across Europe, Central America, and the United States as a concert soloist, orchestral leader, and cross-genre collaborator. He has performed with premier ensembles including the Palm Beach Symphony, Florida Grand Opera, and NuDeco Ensemble, and his diverse portfolio includes a featured concert recording with the classic rock band Kansas and a live-streamed performance for the ESPN F1 Miami Grand Prix. He holds both a Bachelor and Master of Music in Violin Performance from the Lynn Conservatory of Music, where he studied under Guillermo Figueroa. Currently based in Houston, Zelaya serves as adjunct faculty at Lone Star College and directs the Zelaya Violin Studio.

Alisiya Boiko, Piano

Born in Ukraine, Alisiya Boiko began her musical journey at the age of three and made her orchestral debut at age nine as a soloist with the Dnipropetrovsk Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. Her exceptional talent later took her to Poland, where she attended the prestigious Karol Szymanowski State Music School in Warsaw under a five-year scholarship from the Polish Ministry of Culture. She has earned top prizes at international competitions and festivals across the United States, Poland, Germany, Lithuania, and Ukraine.

Boiko is a highly sought-after soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative artist. She recently earned her Master of Music in Piano Performance from the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston under Timothy Hester, where she also served as a graduate teaching assistant and assistant director for the AURA Contemporary Ensemble. A passionate advocate for her homeland, Boiko has organized and performed in numerous high-profile benefit concerts for the Ukrainian people since 2022, partnering with Candlelight Concerts, the University of Houston, and regional arts centers.