Hear Us®
HEAR US® is the extraordinary true story of three young and gifted musicians as they pursue an impossible goal: to become world famous classical soloists.
HEAR US® is the extraordinary true story of three young and gifted musicians as they pursue an impossible goal: to become world famous classical soloists. We follow the life of 15-year-old Clarissa, a violin prodigy, 19-year-old Daniel, a cellist of world-class pedigree, and 27-year-old Rada, a gifted pianist forced to flee her war-torn country of Syria. Against all odds, these three bright talents will come together and form a trio, performing in groundbreaking performances all over the world. Despite their solo ambitions, they will soon learn that playing together may open up more opportunity - and bring more drama - than they ever bargained for.
This true story of passion and dedication, sacrifice and perseverance, is as timely as it is beautiful. These young musicians bravely navigate a world divided by political ideologies and the tensions of clashing civilizations. It offers a rare glimpse into the high-stakes and pressure-filled world of classical music performance, while also shining a light on the double-edged sword that comes with the label “child prodigy.” Overcoming incredible obstacles, and with the help of a renowned conductor Steven Jarvi, our young heroes bridge cultural divides and offer an incredible demonstration of the beauty and potential of the human spirit. What they give of themselves through their music reminds viewers that what connects us is far greater than anything that can divide us. Their music is the ever-present backdrop and untiring engine of their lives. The notes carry us on the ups and downs of this dramatic, real-life series, appealing to audiences of all ages from all corners of the globe.
The Musicians
Violinist
Clarissa Bevilacqua
Praised for enchanting the audience with her musical interpretation and style, Clarissa Bevilacqua is the winner of the 2020 International Mozart Competition Salzburg. The eighteen year old was awarded the First Prize, the Audience Award and the Special Award for the best interpretation of a work by Mozart.
Pianist
Rada Hanana
Rada Hanana, born in Damascus, Syria, started learning classical piano at the age of 4 with Ms. Svetlana Al-Shatta. She was admitted into Sulhi Al-Wadi Institute for Music at the age and studied there until the age of 16. While a student, she performed at the Goethe Institute, the Arabic Cultural Center and many churches in Damascus. She began teaching at the age of 18 at the Sushi Al-Wadi Institute for Music while a student at the High Institute for Music in Damascus. While there, she studied with Professor Franqiz Hacyeva.
Cellist
Daniel Kaler
Praised by the Chicago Music Report for his “warm and luminous sound”, cellist Daniel Kaler received his Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2019 under the tutelage of Mark Kosower. He currently studies with Brinton Smith at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.
Composer
Bradley Harris
Bradley Harris is an American composer from Atlanta, Georgia whose work is influenced by the prog rock, hip hop, minimalism, bebop and film music of his childhood. Bradley has a Master’s in composition from the University of Cincinnati College – Conservatory of Music. Mr. Harris currently resides in NYC and is working on several musical projects.
Conductor
Steven Jarvi
As Resident Conductor of the St. Louis Symphony, Jarvi conducted over 100 events, including Classical Subscription weekends, the Live at Powell Hall concert series, Family and Educational concerts, and other events throughout the season. He also assisted Music Director, David Robertson, and served as the Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra whose performances were recently featured on PBS.
Director
Takashi Doscher
Takashi Doscher is an award-winning writer and director from Atlanta, GA. His second feature film, titled Only, is currently in post-production. The sci-fi apocalyptic romance stars Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire, Knight of Cups) and Tony-winning Leslie Odom Jr (Hamilton, Murder on the Orient Express) as star-crossed lovers trying to survive in a world where women are mysteriously dying. His first feature film, Still, starring Madeline Brewer (Handmaid’s Tale), Nick Blood (Marvel’s Agents of Shield) and Lydia Wilson (Netflix’s Requiem) is an atmospheric suspense set in the Appalachian mountains. It has won several awards on the festival circuit and recently sold to the Orchard for distribution.