A Symphony of Art and Music

Dr. Alexandria Le at the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum

By Laura Henkel

The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum became the stage for its new groundbreaking event, RDA Performs, a fusion of music and visual art that captivated all in attendance on Dec. 12.

The event featured the extraordinary concert pianist Dr. Alexandria Le, whose artistry transformed the gallery into a masterpiece. Curating an exceptional program, Dr. Le seamlessly blended classical and jazz-inspired compositions that perfectly complemented the visual elements of the space. Beneath ”Bridge Mountain” (acrylic on canvas, 1974), Rita Deanin Abbey’s towering five-panel, 30-foot painting, surrounded by sculptures softly illuminated in hues of purple and blue, the atmosphere was set for an evening where sound and vision converged in perfect harmony.

With its vivid hues of blue, yellow and red, the monumental painting radiated energy and motion. Its swirling lines evoked streams converging into rivers or bursts of light in perpetual movement. Nearby, sculptural works provided a grounded contrast, their primitive yet futuristic forms glowing subtly under the uplighting. Together, the artworks framed the grand piano perched atop a plush crimson carpet, an elegant focal point that anchored the room’s dramatic yet intimate setting.

As Dr. Le took her place at the piano, anticipation rippled through the audience. The connection between art and music became palpable with the first delicate notes of Robert Schumann’s “Widmung.” The painting seemed to awaken with the music, its bold strokes reflecting the emotions carried in each phrase. Dr. Le introduced the piece by likening Schumann’s devotion to his wife, Clara. This narrative of love and creativity resonated deeply, adding a layer of intimacy to the performance.

Some audience members closed their eyes, visibly moved by the delicate interplay of sound and sight. Others leaned forward, captivated, as the music unfolded in perfect harmony with the art above. As the piece came to its poignant close, a soft murmur of awe spread through the room, followed by thunderous applause.

The program seamlessly transitioned into George Gershwin’s ”Rhapsody in Blue,” filling the space with vibrant, jazz-infused rhythms. The music ignited an energy that seemed to ripple through the painting, its brushstrokes almost vibrating with the melodies. The rich blues of the artwork seemed to shimmer and shift as though they were dancing in response. The synergy between sound and vision was palpable, transforming the room into a multi-sensory experience.

The evening reached its crescendo with Modest Mussorgsky’s ”Pictures at an Exhibition,” a tailor-made choice for this setting. As Dr. Le played, Mussorgsky’s imagined gallery came alive, each movement amplified by the art surrounding her. The piano’s bold and serene shifts echoed the painting’s vivid colors and dynamic lines, while the sculptures seemed to hum with the same energy. The room felt transformed into a space where every note and brushstroke shared a singular voice.

This was more than a performance; it was a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. Dr. Le’s music and Abbey’s art blurred the boundaries between sound and vision, creating a unified expression of creativity. The evening reaffirmed the museum’s role as a sanctuary for visual art and a stage where multiple art forms intersect and inspire.

As the final notes of the “Great Gate of Kyiv” dissolved into silence, the audience erupted in heartfelt applause, many visibly moved by the evening’s profound beauty. This was more than a concert or an exhibition—it was a testament to the boundless possibilities of artistic expression and the harmonious union of sound and vision. The evening marked a new chapter for the museum, where creativity knows no limits and the dialogue between art forms continues to inspire.

For more information on future events at the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum, visit www.ritadeaninabbeymuseum.org.

To discover more about Dr. Le’s exceptional artistry and upcoming performances, visit www.alexandriale.com.