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Preview: Francesca Khalifa and Levi Vutipadadorn on Classical Thursdays

by Nick Stubblefield

Classical thursdays

A church in Bedford-Stuyvesant might not seem like the first place you'd expect to hear classical music, but that's where you can find the Brooklyn Center for the Arts, home to the Classical Thursdays concert series that kicks off its second season tonight with a pair of Mozart Concertos featuring string players from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. According to co-founders (and piano soloists) Francesca Khalifa and Levi Vutipadadorn, Classical Thursdays serves the Bed-Stuy community at large with low ($7) ticket prices and an intimate, welcoming space that encourages locals to congregate and interact with each other, both through the music and at a reception following each concert.

"We aim to provide an empowering and safe space where people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status can come together," says Khalifa. "We believe that classical music is a universal endowment, and we aim to pass the care and passion for it to a community that is going through this delicate transformation process."

Khalifa and Vutipadadorn say that the community has responded positively to to the series. 

"While walking through the neighborhood and spreading the word about Classical Thursdays, we've had countless interactions with members of the community who are both shocked and excited to hear that there's classical music being offered in Bed-Stuy. Many tell us they've spent their entire lives in this area, and are greatly appreciative of our efforts. There's one instance in particular that sticks out, where a woman said to us, 'I know what you're trying to do here and our community desperately needs this, you're doing a great thing and we thank you!'"

Tonight's concert is at the Brooklyn Center for the Arts, located at 28 Madison Street in Bed-Stuy. Doors at 7p, concert at 7.30. Tickets available at the door or online. More info below.

The Brooklyn Center for the Arts is happy to announce the Opening night of the Fall Season of Classical Thursdays. At its second year, this concert series has set the path for an enriching journey in the depths of the classical music repertoire, bringing renown and talented master musicians to the local community.

The first concert is a special night of celebration with music of W. A. Mozart and special guest artists:

W. A. Mozart

Piano Concerto in A Major KV 414

Piano Concerto in C Major KV 415

In the original chamber music version for piano and string quartet.

Levi Vutipadadorn, Francesca KhalifaPiano

String quartet with musicians from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra of New York City:

Shem Guibbory, Annamae GoldsteinViolins Vincent LiontiViola David HeissCello

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