In the 30th of a series of articles, David Bird discusses the work of Redbridge Music Society and introduces violinist Ana Popescu-Deutsch and pianist Leona Crasi, who will perform in Wanstead this month
One of the core aims of Redbridge Music Society is to promote and support talented musicians, especially those living and working within the borough, in the earlier stages of their careers. This month, Woodford Green musicians Ana Popescu-Deutsch (violin) and Leona Crasi (piano) will give an eclectic recital of popular violin classics and Transylvanian folk music, including Bartok’s famous Six Romanian Dances.
Romanian-British violinist Ana Elisabeta Popescu-Deutsch started violin lessons at the age of six, going on to study at the prestigious George Enescu Music High School (Budapest) and later at the Royal Academy of Music, where she received her BMus (Hons) and MA degrees. During and after her studies, she was a member of the European Union Youth Orchestra and Southbank Sinfonia. A keen performer of Romanian classical and folk music, Ana continues to direct a chamber music series called Enescu & Friends, aimed at introducing audiences to George Enescu’s work in the musical context of his epoch.
Ana also performs with the Scordatura Collective, a mixed chamber ensemble that promotes music composed by women. She performs in diverse orchestral projects and is frequently a guest violinist in other chamber groups. Ana is part of the Morello String Quartet, a group that has played in numerous venues and festivals across the UK. She is also a committed pedagogue, teaching violin and viola at the North London Conservatoire.
Leona Crasi is a progressive Romanian-American pianist, performance curator and educator based in London. She began to play piano at the age of three, studied in Romania, the USA and in the UK, where she graduated at the Royal Academy of Music (BMus, MMus). Leona has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber player, her performing experience ranging from historical and classical repertoire to noise and jazz improvisation. She has won numerous awards at competitions and festivals across Europe and America.
In 2021, Leona founded the Institute of Contemporary Performance, a collective dedicated to the expansion of contemporary practices in classical music performance. During 2020 and 2021, Leona was part of DNA Contemporary Music Festival in London as a coordinator and performer. She is currently appointed as a cultural officer at the Embassy of Israel.
This month’s recital promises to be a very special evening of music-making. Please come along to experience and enjoy this unique event.
Ana and Leona will perform at Wanstead Library on 14 March from 8pm (tickets on the door; visitors: £12; members: £8). Call 07380 606 767. Redbridge Music Society is supported by Vision RCL and affiliated to Making Music.