The Classical European Music Academy Los Angeles (CEMALA), led by distinguished violinist and educator Magdolna Berezvai, recently returned from a notable performance at the White House, where the academy’s young musicians performed for the President’s staff and administration.
Performing at the White House Prominent Ceremonial Space
The concert was held in the Executive Residence, one of the White House’s most prominent ceremonial spaces, traditionally used for official ceremonies, concerts, press events, legislative signings, and receptions for visiting dignitaries. Entering the historic venue with violins and cellos in hand, CEMALA’s students immediately captured attention with their composure and professionalism.
The ensemble consisted of 20 young performers, elegantly dressed in black tailcoats and full-skirted tea gowns. Despite their age, the musicians demonstrated remarkable confidence and musical maturity, performing with precision, focus, and expressive depth. Representing Los Angeles, California, the students approached the opportunity with courage and dedication, making the journey both demanding and deeply rewarding.
A Global Performance Tradition
CEMALA is a comprehensive violin academy devoted to identifying and nurturing exceptional young musical talent. For many students, traveling and performing at the White House for the third time proved to be an eye-opening experience, reinforcing the value of disciplined preparation paired with real-world performance opportunities.
The academy maintains an active and diverse performance schedule that emphasizes both hard work and creative enrichment. In addition to rigorous training, students gain experience through performances at venues and events such as the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, Disneyland, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, community concert halls, and multiple White House engagements. International tours have taken CEMALA students to Iceland in 2018, Eastern Europe in 2019, and Italy, while a planned China concert tour in 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leadership Rooted in Classical Tradition
CEMALA operates under the artistic direction of Hungarian-born Magdolna Berezvai, who brought to Los Angeles the classical traditions and technical foundations she developed through her musical education in Hungary. Her leadership continues to underscore the belief that music is a universal language capable of connecting cultures across borders.
“I am incredibly proud of the students,” Berezvai said. “They performed an extensive repertoire with confidence and ease.”
Looking ahead, the academy is currently preparing for an upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall in New York for the fourth time, with a limited number of openings still available.
