press release

Carr-Petrova Duo Sparks Dialogue on Displaced People through their Novel Voices Project

Public Performances and concerts highlight local and international communities


The Carr-Petrova Duo, both wearing black, pose. One has brown hair the other blond. The blond-haired woman holds a violin.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON — DC Strings Workshop, in partnership with The General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, hosts the Carr-Petrova duo for a series of workshops, public performances and lectures, Sept. 12-15, 2019.

Molly Carr, viola and Anna Petrova, piano formed the duo while still students at The Julliard School and the Manhattan School of Music in New York. The duo plans to visit several public schools throughout the Washington region to present workshops, masterclasses and performances, and to spark dialogue with students around the displacement of local and global people around the world.

The duo will conclude their visit with a public performance and community dialogue at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 at Silver Spring United Methodist Church.

“Church and Society is thrilled to host the Carr-Petrova Duo with the Novel Voices Refugee Aid Project,” said General Secretary Susan Henry-Crowe of Church and Society. “The United Methodist Church is deeply committed to welcoming refugees. At a time when U.S. refugee admissions goals have been slashed and resettlement programs threatened, we value the opportunity to provide a supportive space for refugees and those who help them.”

“We are very excited to bring artists of their caliber to the Washington region to share their talents and inspire so many of the youth that we serve,” said Andrew Lee, artistic director of DC Strings Workshop.

The public performance schedule is as follows:

  • Opening Recital & Reception | The United Methodist Building | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 6 p.m.
  • Future of Music Public Forum | The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage | Friday, Sept. 13 | 12 p.m.
  • Bulgarian Consulate | Friday, Sept. 13 | 7 p.m.
  • Future of Music Public Forum | The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage | Saturday, Sept. 14 12:45 p.m.
  • Orchestra Concert & Debut | Crossman UMC | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 2:30 p.m.
  • Performance and Conversation | Silver Spring UMC | Sunday, Sept. 15 | 3 p.m.

For more information, please visit www.dcstrings.org/duo or contact info@dcstrings.org or jmoore@umcjustice.org.

About the Novel Voices Project

The Novel Voices Refugee Aid Project, created and directed by the Carr-Petrova Duo, is a project designed to give voice and visibility, through music and film, to the lives and struggles of both local and international refugee communities, and to encourage audiences and artists alike to become connected and involved. Since August 2018, it has brought free, interactive classical music concerts and workshops to displaced populations while increasing awareness of and raising support for both U.S.-based and international refugee-aid programs.

About DC Strings Workshop:

DC Strings Workshop (DC Strings) hosts a dynamic and versatile orchestra, “DC Strings” consisting of musicians committed to bringing music to all areas of the DMV, particularly underserved communities. With a mission to celebrate and recognize the contributions of musicians, conductors, composers, women and people of color to the genre of classical music, the orchestra and various ensembles have presented over 50 concerts since the organization’s founding in 2016. Partnerships include collaborations with area music schools and other civic organizations to attract thousands of patrons in every quadrant of the city.

A Ward-8 based community nonprofit organization, DC Strings Workshop takes pride in presenting meaningful and challenging orchestra works that rival the programming of large, fully professional orchestras. Our members have performed at official National Park Service events, museums, churches, schools and corporate/civic events.

About the General Board of Church and Society:

Church and Society is the social justice and public policy agency of The United Methodist Church. Its main office is located across from the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Rooted in our faith, we seek to implement the statements of the denomination as contained within the Social Principles and Book of Resolutions.

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