LI Boy, 11, To Play Solo At Carnegie Hall

SOUTHOLD, NY — Daniel Rila, 11, a sixth grader at Southold Elementary School, will grace one of the world's greatest stages on Sunday as he heads to Carnegie Hall, where he's slated to perform a solo.

According to Liliana Rila, Daniel's mom, her son has always harbored the dream of performing in an international piano competition.

His parents — Liliana and Daniel — registered their son for Crescendo International Music's "Little Mozarts" competition; the not-for-profit organization is based in New York City.

At the first audition in March, Daniel earned a second place honor; he was asked to participate in a recital on Sunday at Carnegie Hall, where he will play W.A. Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca.

"He's so excited," Liliana said. "One dream achieved."

Daniel began playing the piano when he was just four and a half years old, playing for about a half hour a week, his mother said. "We exposed him to all kinds of music. He likes classical, rock, jazz — he doesn't like pop music."

He first took lessons with Southold piano teacher Laurie DiBartolo and later, began studying with George "Corky" Maul, an East End composer. "He's amazing," Liliana said. "His lessons are based on improvisation, more jazz-oriented, and that attracted Danny, who has been studying with Corky since he was six years old." Of studying with Maul, Liliana said her son sees the sessions as fun. "It's a pleasure for him, not like a full time job."

Preparing to watch her son take the stage where greats have made history, Liliana said, is nerve wracking. "I'm more nervous than he is. He's not nervous — he can't wait!" she said. Her son is also happy that his best friend, Alex Kennedy, is also able to attend the show.

Her son, Liliana said, not only shines in the musical spotlight, but also excels at tennis —he's a competitive player, ranked #65 in the eastern region and #600 in the United States in his age group.

The lessons and matches, Liliana said, mean long hours in the car as they travel to other locations — but every mile, she said, is worth the effort as her son continues to soar.

Daniel, she said, is also "very passionate" about American history. "He reads a lot about the Civil War and American Revolution," she said.

But no matter where his talents take him, "We want him to be a healthy and happy kid, to choose whatever he wants to do. We will support him as much as we can. It's such a satisfaction to see him succeeding in everything he wants and everything he likes."

And most important, Liliana said, is the kind of young man her son becomes. "I want him to grow up as a humble person, respectful. I don't want him to take anything for granted. And I want him to be down to earth."

For other children who might have dreams they hope to realize, Liliana has words of wisdom: "Just keep going. Never give up."