Praised for her powerful command of the piano, unique interpretations, and clarity of sound, international performance artist Alina Kiryayeva will open up the Hempy Keyboard Series this Sunday, January 24th, at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

Kiryayeva treats listeners to her “Moving Pictures” program based on the classical music found in famous cartoons including works by Chopin, Liszt, Rimsky-Korsakov, Beethoven and much more.

Kiryayeva, a native of Ukraine, performed her first solo recital at age 8 and her first solo debut with an orchestra at the age 11. She was the first prize winner of the Senigallia International Competition, Italy. Kiryayveva has also claimed prizes in several international piano competitions in the USA, including the Grace Welsh International Competition and the California Young Artist International Competition. She is one of the few classical pianists to complete both a Bachelors and a Master’s degree at The Julliard School of Music on full scholarship.

“Moving Pictures” has received rave reviews. According to The Imperial Valley Press (California), “Kiryayeva’s every phrase shone through with crystal clarity, the piano sang to the audience under her delicate touch.”

Kiryayeva has toured globally and brought her musical magic to Ukraine, Russia, Mexico, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Holland, and Japan. Recently she performed with the Kharkov State Philharmonic and State Opera Theatre Orchestras, The Imperial Valley Symphony orchestra and New York Symphonic Ensemble Orchestra.

The SCA’s Hempy Keyboard Series is sponsored by Rex Hempy, Alan McPhail, Friends of Amity Meadows, and the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.

The show will start at 2:00 p.m. at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street). General admission is $10 for Adults; students 18 & younger are free.