Local Musicians Entertain in the CC Atrium 

Two recent concerts in the Music in the Atrium series at the Clinical Center brought joy to NIH staff, patients and visitors.

On Feb. 21, three internationally acclaimed young pianists dazzled those in attendance with their skillful, emotive performance. Held in conjunction with the European Academy of Music and Art, the concert featured Daya Wampler (12), Sarina Li (12) and Victoria Zhong (15), who played classical selections, including works by Chopin, Schumann and Liszt.

The three pianists from Maryland have between 8 and 11 years of piano-playing experience under the tutelage of Dr. Bella E. Oster. They have consistently been selected as winners of the International Association of Musically Gifted Children’s International Piano Contest for the past six years. Alongside a group of other students, they have performed locally and nationally, as well as in some of the most prestigious concert halls around the world.

Recently, staff and patients also were treated to a performance by Kassia Music, a dynamic ensemble renowned for its captivating performances and innovative programming. The group blends classical traditions with folk and rhythmic influences from around the globe. The ensemble’s resident composer-performers, Sam Post and Bernard Vallandingham, infuse their works with diverse musical elements such as classical, ragtime and Eastern European folk music.

Since its inception in 2016, Kassia Music has won first prize at the Misbin Memorial Chamber Music Competition multiple times. They serve as the ensemble-in-residence at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Bethesda, Md.