Pianists Pack Library

Renowned pianists Vladimir and Yelena Polezhayev–the Long Island Piano Duo– and their violinist son Anton performed Schumann, Chopin and Charlie Chaplin at the Syosset Public Library Saturday night to a packed house.

"The music pieces are a romantic combination. This evening is about sweet music," said Vladimir. "Most people don't know Charlie Chaplin in any other way than being funny, but we take that and make it into beautiful music."

Playing four hands on one piano, Vladimir and Yelena wowed the audience with their skills.

Originally from Moscow, the Vladimirs have been performing together for the past 30 years and have played in Germany, Spain, Israel, Canada, Italy and France. Vladimir admitted that when he first started learning to play the piano, he hated it.

"My father taught me at a young age and I didn't like it because while I was inside all the time playing the piano, the other kids were outside playing football and having fun. It wasn't until I was 16 that I learned to love the piano. My favorite piece to play is 'Beethoven Op.57.'"

As a duo, the pianists have released several CDs, including Classic and Broadway Favorites, From Brahms to Bernstein and Classics, Waltz and Tango. In addition to being accomplished pianists, they founded a concert festival for young musicians (www.concertfestival.org).

"The girl who won the competition was only 9 years old," Vladimir said. "She sang 'America the Beautiful.' She performs in The Lion King now. She has an amazing voice." 

Balancing a career as a soloist and collaborator, Anton proudly joined his parents onstage.

"He started playing at a young age; he was only 5 years old," Vladimir said. "We have been bringing our son onstage with us for a long time. He is a very talented and musically gifted man."

Yelena added, "Anton was accepted into a music school in Russia that is very hard to get into. Not only can he play the violin, he can play the piano too."

According to Anton, playing the violin comes naturally for him.

"The violin is like my arm or leg. It is a part of my body," he said. In addition to playing the violin, Anton is a teacher and gives master classes throughout the New York area. Their other son, Simon, a pianist who usually performs with the family, is away in Germany performing solo.

For Vladimir, there is nothing better than performing with his family.

He said: "Being on stage with them playing wonderful music is the greatest feeling in the world."

For more information, visit www.longislandpianoduo.com.