​The First Rosina Lhevinne Award Presented to Keys 2 Success

Keys 2 Success, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Newark, New Jersey’s youth through music education, hosted its annual fall fundraiser on Saturday, October 14th. The evening featured a captivating piano masterclass led by world-renowned pianist Olegna Fuschi at the residence of Executive Director Jee-Hoon Krska.

Ms. Fuschi, former director of Juilliard’s Pre-College Division, brought her transformative leadership to the event. Her legacy at Juilliard includes introducing the prestigious pre-college concerto competition and expanding the pre-college orchestra into four separate orchestras. Her commitment to Keys 2 Success was evident in her three-hour round trip to make the event possible.

The masterclass commenced with a mesmerizing performance by Urban Fellow Darasimi Ajayi, who left the audience in awe with her rendition of "The Song of Twilight" by Yoshinao Nakada.

Jee-Hoon Krska, Executive Director of Keys 2 Success, shared her piano journey and the special bond she shares with her childhood teacher, Ms. Fuschi. Ms. Fuschi's unwavering support during a challenging period in Jee-Hoon's life became the inspiration for Keys 2 Success.

The evening continued with Jee-Hoon's exceptional performance of Charles-Valentin Alkan’s "Le festin d’Ésope" which left the audience on the edge of their seats.

The program concluded with a heartfelt address from board member Renée Frank and delectable culinary creations by April Montgomery. Renée, April, and other members of the Junior League of Summit, were key partners and helped to facilitate this event.

In a surprise announcement, Olegna Fuschi presented Jee-Hoon Krska with the inaugural The First Rosina Lhevinne Award for Education in the Arts, carrying a $1,000 gift to Keys 2 Success. This award symbolizes the passing of a profound legacy from teacher to student, ensuring that hope, artistry, and strength endure through the generations. At its inception in 2016 Keys taught two students in Newark, and now, just seven years later, Keys reaches almost two-hundred students around Newark by teaching in public housing, churches, parks, and gardens located in neighborhoods where students lack access to quality music education.

To learn more about Keys or read the full article, visit https://www.keysnewark.com/ , or contact Executive Director Jee-Hoon Krska at (908) 883-0887 or jeehoon.krska@keysnewark.com