Yasa Poletaeva is a sought-after violinist hailing from Saint Petersburg, Russia. Described by “Manhattan International Artists” as a violinist who’s “performances reflect a great musicality, depth of interpretation, and technical expertise needed to distinguish oneself in the world of professional performance.” A graduate of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, she has concertized in the United States, Russia, and several cities in Europe. This season, she will be touring in New York City, Boston, California, Florida, and in the South East Asia region as a member of the Contrasts Duo. As a soloist, Yasa has appeared several times with the Lynn Philharmonia, UST Symphony (Philippines), High Peak Festival Orchestra, Saint Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra (Russia), Wagner Festival Orchestra (Germany), and World International Youth Orchestra (Italy).
She is a winner of the First National Chamber Music Competition, the Ovcharek International Chamber Music Competition (Russia), and the Lyric Chamber Music Competition (USA). Yasa was also a finalist in the Coleman (Pasadena, 2014), Fishoff (Notre Dame, 2014), and Arriaga (New York, 2015) Chamber Music Competitions as well as for a Carnegie Hall fellowship (New York, 2014), the 4th “Violin of the North” International Violin Competition (Russia, 2009). Just recently she has performed for Donald Trump, Pinchas Zukerman, Ida Haendel and Countess de Hoernle. Yasa’s performances with UST Symphony in Philippines were broadcast several times on national television.
Yasa is the recipient of the Boca West scholarship fund for her studies at Lynn Conservatory. Just recently Ms. Poletaeva won the John Oliveira Inaugural String Competition, and received an award of National Society of Arts and Letters, Florida. She is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree under the tutelage of the internationally renowned violinist, Elmar Oliveira. Ms. Poletaeva also happens to be the grand prize winner of the Miss Saint Petersburg beauty pageant.

Filipino pianist Darren Matias is an equally accomplished soloist and chamber musician. He started playing the piano at the age of 14 and has been a musician ever since. His American debut with the Charlotte Symphony was described by Florida Weekly as “the most dramatic and powerful performance of the season.” Further engagements include performances with the New York Summit Festival Orchestra, Philippine Philharmonic, FilHarmonika, Lynn Philharmonia, Florida Atlantic Symphony, Banda 31 Wind Symphony,and University of Santo Tomas Symphony. He recently won 1st prize at the Florida Atlantic University Concerto Competition, 1st prize at the Ultimate Pianist Competition in Manila, and further accomplishments in his duo work with Yasa. He appeared in the masterclasses of Gary Graffman, Leon Fleisher, Arie Vardi, Philippe Entremonte, and Phillip Evans. He also appeared as a guest artists in Alexander Toradze’s Piano Studio Concert. His creative pursuits has yielded into appearing as Mr. Liberace in the Kravis Center. Mr. Matias earned his Masters and Performance Certificate degrees at Lynn Conservatory of Music under Roberta Rust. He is currently pursuing his collaborative piano degree under the tutelage of Lisa Leonard.