LA PLATA, Md. – On May 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., in the historic Christ Church in La Plata, a unique musical event will take place. A father and son duo, Osman Kivrak (viola) and Andrew Kivrak (organ, piano, and viola), will be featured in a captivating program of viola and organ music.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the world premiere of “Oliver’s Journey for Viola and Organ,” a new and innovative piece by American composer Rob Vuono, Jr. This exceptional work was commissioned by CCYO director, Dr. Osman Kivrak, and promises to be a memorable addition to the concert repertoire.
In addition to the premiere, the program will include a selection of other remarkable pieces:
- A lush and beautiful neo-romantic work, “Poem for Viola and Organ” by Leo Sowerby
- “Sonata in G Minor for Viola and Piano” by the 18th Century English composer Henry Eccles
- “Duet for Two Violas in G Major” by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, the most talented son of J.S. Bach
- “Toccata,” a joyful, exultant, and ecstatic late 19th-century masterpiece for organ by Charles-Marie Widor
The concert is free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. The proceeds will be used to support musical activities at Christ Church.
Reverend Dr. Kate Heichler remarked, “Christ Church in La Plata has what many organists consider to be the best organ in the region, as well as wonderful acoustics and beautiful stained-glass windows. It is a wonderful setting for live music.”
Christ Church in La Plata has been a steadfast supporter of the Charles County Youth Orchestra’s activities, which include concerto competitions, chamber music performances, and fundraising concerts. This viola and organ concert will serve as a fundraiser to support the church’s various musical endeavors.
Composer of the new viola and organ work, Rob Vuono, Jr. commented, “It is truly a profound honor to have the world premiere of my new composition “Oliver’s Journey” performed by Dr. Kivrak and his son Andrew, two world-class and highly respected musicians, at the magnificent and historic Christ Church.” Mr. Vuono also added “My sincere and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kivrak, and to all who have made this possible.”
About the concert, Dr. Osman Kivrak said “Since 2019, Christ Church in La Plata has been a big supporter of the Charles County Youth Orchestra. They allowed us to use their facilities for a variety of activities, including our Chamber Music Festival concerts, our Concerto Competitions, and our auditions.” Dr. Kivrak expressed heartfelt gratitude to Christ Church and Rev. Dr. Heichler for their unwavering support and added “This organ and viola concert serves as a token of appreciation towards the church and its leadership for their continuous contribution to the success of the CCYO and community engagement.”
Charles County Commissioner President Collins is planning to attend the concert and his office said Commissioner President Collins “is honored to join you in recognizing such an important cultural occasion for our community. He looks forward to experiencing the program—especially the world premiere by composer Rob Vuono—and to celebrating the exceptional musical heritage represented by this instrument.”
Don’t miss this extraordinary event that celebrates both the rich musical heritage of Christ Church in La Plata and the innovative spirit of contemporary composers. Join us for an evening of exceptional music in a beautiful and historic setting.
About the Composer
Composer, Arranger, and Orchestrator Rob Vuono, Jr. received his formal training at both the Manhattan School of Music and Mannes College of Music, studying classical composition and orchestration with Dr. Leo Edwards, Giampaolo Bracali, and David Loeb. Additionally, Rob studied commercial and Jazz arranging with Johnny Carisi and Jo Boyer, and Trumpet with John Bracco, David Naylor, and Peter Crino. Rob Freelanced as a composer/arranger and performer in the New York area and was active as a Jazz Studies instructor for the International Art of Jazz program and director of the Stony Brook Jazz Ensemble at SUNY, Stony Brook, New York.
Rob recently completed a 24-year career as composer/arranger and trumpet instrumentalist for the U.S. Navy Band, where he performed throughout Europe for a two- and a half year period before returning to the United States, securing positions as composer/arranger for the U.S. Naval Academy Band and for the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., providing scores for the Symphonic Band, Sea Chanters, Commodores, and Cruisers. Comfortable in all styles and genres of music, Rob composes, arranges, and orchestrates music for a diverse group of performers, including works for the National Shakespeare Theater, the Bluebonnet Brass, Phish, The Diamonds, and the Gramercy Brass Orchestra. Rob composed the score for the indie film “Red Onion”, as well as the 90-minute score for the symphonic chamber suite “Winter Solstice”. Rob occasionally leads his own orchestra and has released a recording of that group. A member of ASCAP, Rob’s compositions and arrangements are published by FJH Music and CL Barnhouse Music.
About the Performers
Osman Kivrak, violist, was a winner of the National Scholarship Competition in Turkey, the Baltimore Chamber Music Awards, the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Awards, the Culver (California) Chamber Music Competition and of three Maryland National Parks and Planning Commission Awards. He performs with the Sunrise Quartet and the National Gallery of Art String Quartet. Recently, the Quartet performed to great acclaim at the Musica Sacra festival in Ecuador. The Quartet has performed with noted pianists Menahem Pressler and Miceal O’Rourke, and with guitarist Roland Dyens.The Quartet has recorded for the Living Music, Arizona University Recordings, Amcam and AmeriMusic labels. A collection of Christmas music, which they edited, has been published under the imprint of G. Schirmer, Inc. West Virginia Public Television and Chinese National Television have also featured the Sunrise Quartet in a one-hour TV show “A Musical Bridge to China” broadcast. Performances by the Quartet have been broadcast for National Public Radio’s “Performance Today”, “What Makes it Great” and “Front Row Washington”.
He received a Master of Music and Doctor of Music degree from the Catholic University of America. Before coming to the United States, he received his Bachelor of Music from Gazi University in Turkey and studied at the Guildhall School of Music in London.
He has also performed at the Spoleto Festival in the USA and Italy, and he has toured Europe a number of times as a chamber music player with other groups. His works have been performed in Washington DC at the Kennedy Center, the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Library of Congress and throughout the United States and in Turkey as well as on National Public Radio. Formerly a professor at the Izmir State Conservatory in Turkey, Dr. Kivrak currently teaches viola and chamber music at American University where he is Musician in Residence.
Andrew Kivrak is currently one of the organists at Christ Church in La Plata and Christ Church in Wayside, Maryland. His journey in music began at a young age, growing up in Charles County, where his talents in music were recognized and nurtured.
Andrew’s musical career started with his involvement in the Charles County Youth Orchestra (CCYO). He was the principal violist of CCYO and performed as soloist the Grand Sonata for Viola and Orchestra by Niccolo Paganini with CCYO.
Andrew had the honor of studying piano under the mentorship of Brian Ganz at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Brian Ganz’s guidance was instrumental in honing Andrew’s piano skills, providing him with a strong foundation in both technique and musical interpretation. In addition to his piano studies, Andrew pursued organ studies with Paul Hardy at St. Mathews Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Andrew’s professional career encompasses a diverse array of performances. He has recently performed as a violist and pianist at the Virginia Chamber Orchestra’s “Music in the Gardens” chamber music concerts. He has recorded at Cue studios in Falls Church and has accompanied singers and instrumentalists for concerts and competitions.
Andrew is an active member of the DC Federation of Musicians, an organization that supports and advocates for professional musicians in the Washington, DC area. This affiliation provides Andrew with a network of fellow musicians and opportunities for professional growth and development.