| The Long Island Piano Duo, one-piano 4-hands or two-pianos was founded by the original and accomplished pianists Yelena and Vladimir Polezhayev. Originally from Russia, this husband and wife team has delighted the audiences in Europe, Canada and the USA with the technique, brilliance and uniqueness of their programs. Their programs are both classical and entertaining. Yelena’s performances throughout the former USSR and Europe as a soloist and accompanist and Vladimir’s experience working with Russian State Radio/TV Orchestra for more than ten years as a composer and arranger helped them to create a unique repertoire. Their programs include classical compositions, written by W.A. Mozart, L. van Beethoven, F. Schubert and others, as well as favorite melodies from opera, ballet , and folk tunes of different countries and even little bit of Jazz composed and arranged by themselves. On occasion they invite their sons-Anton Polezhayev, violinist-virtuoso, winner of International Violin Competitions, and young Simon, double-bass soloist and scholarship student of the Juilliard School. “The combined exceptional talents of Yelena and Vladimir Polezhayev produce a dimension in their concerts that reveal an incredible depth of musical experience. It is an exhilarating pleasure listening to this couple play their selections with feeling and precision.” -The Venerable Canon Jerome J.Nedelka, Episcopal Archdeacon of Suffolk, NY, presenter "The encore piece... was performed to a standing ovation amid bouquets of flowers." -Victoria Crosby , Managing Director Morgan Park Summer Music Festival, NY “Brilliant Duo! Virtuosity, artistry, communication with the audience – just brilliant! “ -Serguei Markarov, Professor, Paris Conservatory, France “They have a chemistry with each other and their audiences that causes listeners to experience familiar music in a fresh way.” -Irine Musatova, Professor, Oviedo Conservatory ,Spain “The concerts have all been remarkable, for the quality of the performance …Artists are so gracious and approachable…you can not only see the stars, you can reach out and touch them.” -Melissa Rennie, Record Pilot, NY “When they play together, they play as one. Their technique is impeccable and makes it seem easy and natural…Amazing to watch them. It is a joyous experience.” -P.Grover, Vice president of “A Small Company In America” "Each one individually is superb and together they are a tremendous asset to the musical community." -Elsi Levy, Chair of Music and Theater at Queens College, NY “All played to perfection…Vladimir and Yelena’s remarkable four hands. ” -Gold Coast Gazette, New York “You don’t want to miss the next concert by the Long Island Piano Duo…Bringing out all the beauties of the music as well as the artistry of the performers.” -Great Neck Record, Great Neck, NY “A magical experience of the souls harmony and beauty…stays with you for a long time after the concert.” -Cantor Marina Belenky, Temple De Hirsch Sinai, Seattle, WA “Incredible style, polish and enthusiasm…There was something for every musical taste.” -Record Pilot, Glen Cove, NY “Superb technique and fine musicality presented with elegant stile.” -Irina Sharapova, Professor, St.Petersburg Conservatory, Russia “Vladimir and Yelena Polezhayev play with verve and élan, transforming sparkling technique into a natural flow of musicality... ...As always the Polezhayevs delighted the audience with their fusion of superb musicianship interspersed with humor." -Jeremy Kempton, Conductor “Island Chamber Symphony” “ Great concert… The whole audience reacted with a standing ovation.” -Rabbi/Cantor Jacob Yaron, Sands Point Community Synagogue, NY The Long Island Piano Duo, one-piano, 4-hands or two-pianos was founded by the original and accomplished pianist Yelena and Vladimir Polezhayev. Originally from Russia, this husband and wife team is a natural product of 30 years of performing together. Having met at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, Russia, they have performed numerous times in Europe and the United States. Since coming to New York in 1990 (Family story featured in Newsday October, 1992 and New York Times January 18,2004) they have appeared on various television and radio shows and have given many performances in the Metropolitan-New York area, including Carnegie Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Tilles Center and Hofstra University. Vladimir Polezhayev's myriad talents are evident as he is a pianist and organist, composer and arranger, chamber soloist and teacher. Born in Moscow, he began his studies at the age of 5 and continued at the renowned Music College at St. Petersburg Conservatory where he was taught by the famous Russian pianist professor Juri Brushkoff. He went on to the legendary St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he graduated with honors under the tutelage of Professor Gregory Buzeh. Mr. Polezhayev is a recipient of top prizes at numerous elite competitions in the former Soviet Union. As a soloist of the St. Petersburg Concert organization Lenconcert, Vladimir travelled extensively across the former USSR, performing in great stadiums and intimate concert halls. In addition to the prestigious position of composer and arranger for the Pop Symphony National Radio/TV Orchestra in Moscow, he held the unique position of Pianist-Improvisator, which was created especially for him and was abolished upon his departure. During the tenure with the orchestra he composed and arranged hundreds of songs. All were performed live on National Radio and TV. Many of these were included in the Golden Fund of National Russian Radio, a musical treasure of popular 20th century songs. At present Mr. Polezhayev is an Organist at St. Thomas More Church, Hauppauge, NY; and Organist at Community Synagogue, Sands Point, NY. Together with his wife, Yelena, he founded a Recording Company, a Music School and the Long Island Piano Duo, which performs throughout the Metropolitan-New York region and Internationally. Yelena Polezhayev is an accomplished concert pianist, chamber soloist, organist, accompanist, and music teacher. Also born in Moscow, she started playing piano at 6, continued her formal education at the Moscow Music College, going on to study with the celebrated concert pianist and director of the renowned St. Petersburg Conservatory, Professor Pavel Serebriakov. After graduation Yelena had a thriving career as a soloist with a chamber ensemble that performed across the former Soviet Union, Poland and the Netherlands. At the same time she became a faculty member of the chamber music department at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Later she followed her husband to Moscow, where she held the same title at the Moscow Conservatory. After her immigration to the United State with her family, Yelena and her husband founded a successful Music School and they created the Long Island Piano Duo. She travelled to France, Spain and Italy as the accompanist for her son - Anton, when he won top prizes at International Violin Competitions. Another member of the family – 19 yo. Simon - currently a scholarship student of Juilliard Music School. He is studying double bass with Principal of NY Philharmonic - Mr.E.Levinson. Ms. Polezhayev now serves as Music Director and Organist at the Reformed Church of Locust Valley, NY and Temple Beth Elohim of Old Bethpage, NY. The Long Island Piano Duo performs varied programs from classical to entertaining. Yelena's performances throughout the former USSR and Europe as soloist and accompanist and Vladimir's experience of working with Russian State Radio/TV Orchestra for more than ten years as composer and arranger helped them to create a unique repertoire for their Duo. |