The new Arts at Ascension concert series presents the season-opening concert Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.

This first concert will feature pianists Robert Hamilton and Charles Szczepanek each playing solo works and then teaming up on one piano to play works of Debussy and Brahms.

Hamilton is internationally respected for his concert work and his fine recordings.

The New York Times called Hamilton “...a very fine artist…one of the best...an enthralling listening experience.”

Hamilton has performed with orchestras from Chicago to London and Warsaw. His appearance in St. Petersburg brought a 10-minute standing ovation. He will perform solo piano compositions of Mussorgsky and Respighi this Friday evening.

Szczepanek was a prizewinner in the Jacob Flier International Piano Competition and the Bösendorfer International Piano Competition.

He has also been heard performing and interviewing live on public radio around the United States. He currently is artistic director of Church of the Ascension, Fountain Hills.

He will perform compositions by Paul Aurandt, who is better known as Paul Harvey Jr.

Together at one piano, these artists will perform works of Debussy and Brahms.

Net proceeds from the concert will be donated to the fine arts department of St. Matthew’s School, an inner city school.

“We are happy to support the needs of the less fortunate in our local Phoenix community, while bringing internationally respected musicians to Fountain Hills," said Szczepanek.

Everyone is invited to attend. The church is located at 12615 N. Fountain Hills Blvd.

Tickets will be available at the door for $15 per person 45 minutes before the program. For further information call Szczepanek at 837-1066, ext. 208.