Ukrainian Violinist Assia Ahhatt Shines on the Global Stage

(ASSIA AHHATT, above)

by Slavica Monczka

Exotic Assia Ahhatt of Ukraine made her music debut here in the US last October with much anticipation from her international fans as well as with Assia herself. “I am absolutely delighted that I'll be performing with the true world star Chris Botti,” Assia tells me. “These concerts for me are the first experience of performing in front of American public and I'm excitedly looking forward to it.” The violin virtuoso with her striking stage presence was sure to win over a whole new set of fans, as her magnetism won me over in this interview with Assia Ahhatt.

Born in Kiev, Assia began playing the violin at the age of five. In short, Assia attended The Music Academy of Nice, France after graduating from The National Conservatory in Kiev. It was during her time with the Academy in Nice that Assia toured with the international string quartet to several countries in Europe. “At a certain point, I realized that the conservative academic stage won't suffice for me,” Assia explains. “I'm endeavoring to give a new stylish life to the academic music, as well as make it more understandable for the listeners.” Assia is very successful at accomplishing just this as some of her music combines the strong presence of her classical violin talents mixed in with more of a pop flavor. Her debut album “Homo Novus” of modern instrumentals was released in 1999. With her unique vocal and musical talents and seven pop music albums later, we welcome award-winning Assia to the States.

There is also no way I could skip mentioning here how stunningly beautiful Assia is. This wife and mother of two, with her Cleopatra-like exotic looks and sex appeal do not go unnoticed, adding to her worldliness. Often dramatic and theatrical, her music videos capture these characteristics and her passion. “My favorite songs are those about love,” says Assia. “Most of my songs and plays have been created by me. My life, unforgettable stories from it, various characters with whom I had such an opportunity to meet, they are all reflected in my songs and my creativity.”

(Eric Serra and Assia, right)

Assia’s talents and experiences have quickly escalated her career and position in the international music industry, with recent appearances as guest violinist with US jazz singer Kurt Elling in Kiev, Grammy award-winning trumpet player Chris Botti in Sparks, Nevada at John Ascuaga’s Nugget Hotel & Casino and in Henderson, Nevada at Green Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, French musician/composer Eric Serra in Kiev and Donetsk, and as the special guest performer at French Tuesdays in Los Angeles.

(Kurt Elling with Ahhatt, above.)

You can also catch Assia with Botti once again on December 19 at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, marking her Big Apple debut. Looking to plan an exotic trip, then mark your April 2012 calendar for the Ukraine where you can once again see Botti and Assia make magical music together for an experience of a lifetime. The Seven Wonders of Ukraine will need to add an eighth as Assia continues to take the world on by storm, evident here in her video. Grab a shot of Samogon, turn it up and enjoy:

For more on Assia Ahhatt, and her appearances scheduled, and ticket purchases, visit:

http://assiaahhatt.com/

http://www.bluenotejazz.com/newyork/index.shtml




(This article originally appeared on SeductivelyFrench.com)