Carol Losee and Valentina Shatalova began collaborating over 15 years ago. Performance engagements together include: New Paltz New Year's Eve, Vassar College, New Paltz Christian Gala, Kleinart James Art Gallery, SUNY New Paltz, the Old Dutch Church, the Lyric Gallery, the Maverick Concert Series, as well as many various private engagements. They have each performed as featured soloists with the Hudson Valley Youth Symphony and were heard as a duo on National Public Radio's "Performance Today" program.
Both dedicated piano teachers, Carol and Valentina formed the "Two For You" piano duo with the purpose of presenting arts enrichment programs through live classical performances. As a result, the duo has brought music and poetry to hundreds of school children in the Hudson Valley. In 1998 Valentina and Carol received their Master of Arts degrees in piano pedagogy from SUNY New Paltz, under the auspices of Vladimir Feltsman. Part of their graduate recital included a four-hand arrangement of Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals", accompanied by a presentation of their work done in various school districts.
Inspired by their love of ensemble playing, Carol and Valentina created the New Paltz Piano Fest - a multi-keyboard ensemble experience for students of all ages. Piano Fest 2007 presented approximately 165 piano students in a musically varied program, while featuring guest soloists.
Valentina and Carol continue teaching, studying, and playing, both in schools and private engagements as well as formal recital settings.