Pianist Darren Matias collaborates with Yasa Poleteava in ‘Contrast Duo’

Conservatory of Music alumnus Darren Matias and Russian prodigy Yasa Poleteava combines classical and contemporary music in an intimate concert titled “Contrast Duo” held at the UST Museum on August 24, 2017.

Matias, who is described by the Florida Weekly as “a pianist who performs with passion and virtuosity leaving the audience breathless,” has performed with Poleteava in ‘Contrast Duo’ in various countries such as the United States, Russia and Finland.


The UST concert opened with German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Sonata No.1, Op. 12,” rendered in different layers of allegro or fast tempo. The audience was then treated to an original arrangement of “Scent of a Woman” composed by Thomas Newman.


The duo shifted to a smoother, more soulful rhythm with their rendition of American composer John Williams’ “Schindler’s List,” the score for the Spielberg film about a German businessman who saved Polish-Jewish refugees from the Holocaust. Matias and Poleteava capped the concert with “Libertango” by Astor Piazolla.


Matias has received grants and awards including scholarship grants. He earned his Master of Music degree and Performance Certificate at Lynn University Conservatory of Music, Florida, USA.

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