Musicians
Palos Verdes Salon is priviliged to have featured these outstanding musicians.
Evgeny Tonkha (Cello)
Since the age of 10, Evgeny has toured Germany, France, England, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and the USA. He performs to international audiences with unfailing success. Among his achievements are the 1st Prize and the Golden Medal at the 12th International Cello Competition in the Czech Republic, the Special Jury Prize at the 13th International Tchaikovsky Competition, and prizes for the best performance of contemporary music. He regularly performs at the Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin's Konzerthaus, Gewandhaus in Leipzig, the Hamburg Philhamonie and at the Hall of Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in Munich.
Alex Slobodyanik (Piano)
At the age of 15, Alex became the youngest pianist ever to win the Young Concert Artists International Auditions. He subsequently received the Grand Prize at the Stravinsky Awards International Piano Competition and a Young Artist of the Year Award from the Gilmore Foundation, establishing him as one of the leading pianists of his generation. His recital engagements have included appearances at Lincoln Center on the “Great Performers” series, 92nd St Y, Academy of Music, Ambassador Auditorium, Wigmore Hall in a live BBC broadcast, UNESCO Hall in Paris, the Great Hall in Moscow and at other major venues throughout the US and Europe.
Omar Torrez (Guitar)
The Mexican-American artist first gained notoriety as a finalist at the Jimi Hendrix Guitar Competition at the Bumbershoot Festival, using a borrowed guitar. Since then, Torrez has won fans worldwide through international festivals and humanitarian work. He was Tom Waits’ guitarist on the most recent Glitter & Doom world tour. In addition to Tom Waits, Torrez has shared the stage with Buena Vista Social Club, Jethro Tull, Tony Levin, Bill Laswell, Kinky, Sidestepper, Pancho Sanchez, Mumiy Troll, Nortec Collective, Francisco Aguabella and many more.
David Lisker (Violin)
Described as an “exquisite virtuoso violinist” (Chicago Sun-Times) whose “playing possesses a deeply profound musical instinct” (The Classical Network) and a “cultivated artistic taste” (Kulturas Diena, Latvia), David Liskerhas appeared as soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer in many of today’s most prestigious concert halls including New York’s Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Merkin Hall, The Mann Auditorium in Israel, The Orange County Performing Arts Center in California, The National Arts Centre in Ottawa, and The Shanghai Theatre in China.
Anton Smirnov (Piano)
Anton is a prizewinner of several international piano competitions including the Moscow International Competition for Young Musicians, Oberlin Concerto Competition, Corpus Christi International Concerto Competition, Louisiana International Piano Competition, the NTD International Piano Competition in New York, and others. He has made more than 1,000 public performances world-wide at venues that include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center’s Avery Fischer Hall, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A graduate of Yale University School Of Music (Master of Music), Anton currently resides in Los Angeles where he works as a teacher, pianist and a conductor.
Lilit Mardiyan (Guitar)
Lilit took her first guitar lessons at the age of 8. In 2002 she received 1st Prize in the 7th International Youth Classical Guitar Competition in Sinaia (Romania). In 2004 she received 2nd Prize in Stafford Classical Guitar Recital Competition (England). In 2009 she graduated from University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music and in 2015 Lilit received her Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music. She has performed in the festivals and concert series in Saint Petersburg (Russia), Sochi (Russia), Yerevan (Armenia), Athens (Greece) Friedrichsrode (Germany), Reifenstein (Germany) and collaborated with the Orchestra of State Hermitage.
Giorgi Mikadze (Piano)
Born in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, Giorgi started playing piano at the age of 5. By 12 he was performing piano concertos with symphony orchestras. He began composing at 14. Giorgi has won numerous classical piano competitions and has received awards in many countries. As a jazz musician he appeared at major jazz festivals such as Newport Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival. He recently finished American concert tour with Lee Ritenour and recorded an album with Jack DeJohnette. His current jazz composition work explores the microtonalities of traditional Georgian folk music and reimagines those structures in innovative new musical motifs. Giorgi graduated from Berklee in 2014, and holds Master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music. In 2017 Giorgi was invited as a visiting professor at Berklee College of Music where he was teaching 7 different courses.
Dan Schnelle (Drums)
Dan is one of the most talented drummers in the Los Angeles area, where he has been in high demand for over a decade. Dan graduated from USC. Years spent collaborating with some of the best musicians in Los Angeles (and beyond) have earned him a reputation of a hard-working, professional, and creative team player; one who is, above all, committed to musical excellence. A list of collaborators include: Josh Nelson, Daniel Rosenboom, Anthony Wilson, Laurence Hobgood, Walter Smith III, Joshua White, Sara Gazarek, Larry Goldings, Philip Dizack, Dayna Stephens, Larry Koonse, Ben Wendel, Nick Mancini, and more.
Benjamin Shepherd (Bass)
Ben was born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand, where he began playing the drum set at age 5, bass guitar at age 7, and upright bass at age 13. Fresh out of high school, Benjamin recorded his debut album Double Play, which showcased his technical mastery of the bass as well as his compositional talents. Benjamin holds a Bachelor’s degree in jazz studies from California Institute of the Arts. Benjamin has worked on stage and in the studio with a wide variety of highly successful and Grammy-winning artists including Kendrick Lamar, Lee Ritenour, Billy Childs, Patrice Rushen, The Monk’estra, Virgil Donati, Moses Sumney, Kimbra, Low Leaf, Mike Keneally, Mike Stern, Bob Sheppard, John Beasley, School Boy Q, and Miguel Atwood Ferguson.
Jura Margulis (Piano)
Jura has been internationally recognized for his compellingly emotional performances and his consummate virtuosity. The Los Angeles Times praised his “excellent pianism” and called him “highly musical”. His orchestral appearances include performances with the Russian National Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the National Orchestra of Venezuela, the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Prague Symphony Orchestra. Jura’s 10 CDs recorded for Sony, Ars Musici, and Oehms Classics, have attracted substantial attention and have been included on the “Bestenliste” of the German Recording Review. Jura is regularly invited as a judge at international piano competitions, most recently at the ARD Music Competition in Munich. Jura is a professor of piano at the Music and Art University in Vienna, Austria.
Angelika Fuchs (Piano)
Angelika is beloved by audiences and critics alike for her consummate musicianship and the daring passion of her performances. During her studies at Budapest’s Franz Liszt Academy, Angelika gave numerous solo recitals across Hungary and won First Prize at the 2008 Yamaha Competition in Budapest. As a soloist, she had extensive concert tours through the Netherlands and China. Angelika also performed in South Korea, Monaco, Germany, Ukraine, USA, Canada, Russia, Australia and Hungary. She has taken part in many Music Festivals including the International Keyboard Institute and Festival at Mannes in NYC, the Weimar Liszt Festival, the Utrecht Liszt Festival and many others.
Judith Farmer (Bassoon)
Nominated for a 2017 GRAMMY® Award, critics have described bassoonist Judith Farmer's playing as "impeccable" (American Record Guide), "masterly" (Fanfare Magazine) and "brilliant" (Kronenzeitung, Austria). Judith enjoys a rich and varied career as a chamber musician, orchestra musician, soloist and teacher. Judith has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She has played on the scores of over 200 major motion pictures and recorded with such artists as Daft Punk, Josh Groban, Billy Childs, Barbra Streisand and Neil Young. Judith is currently a principal bassoonist of the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, a member of the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra and the Long Beach Symphony. She teaches bassoon at the University of Southern California.
Edgar Lopez (Clarinet)
Edgar López is the former principal clarinet of Bogotá Symphony Orchestra. He has performed regularly as a soloist in Colombia and was often invited to play with the Simon Bolivar Orchestra, with Gustavo Dudamel as conductor, Milwaukee Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Modesto Symphony, Las Vegas Symphony, Symphony Orchestra of Colombia, Youth Colombian Philharmonic, Tolima Symphony Orchestra, and Cundinamarca Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Founder of Scherzo Clarinet duo Edgar Lopez has performed at more than 30 different venues in Los Angeles. In 2017 he was awarded with the Mitchell Lurie Award. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, López was awarded with the Bruce Zalkind Memorial Endowed Music Award by The University of Southern California. Currently he teaches clarinet at Young Musician Foundation and Colburn School of Music.
Bingxia Lu (Cello)
Bingxia Lu is a member of The Los Angeles Ensemble, which was recently awarded first prize at the International Music Competition Grand Prize Virtuoso in London. In 2005, Bingxia won first prize at the Golden Bell Award Cello Competition, becoming the youngest winner in the history of this prestigious competition in China. She continued to garner awards at other competitions, including Yong Siew Toh Concerto Competition, Schoenfeld International String Competition in Hong Kong, and Beijing International Music Competition. Bingxia appears regularly in recitals and has performed in France, the Netherlands, Austria, Australia, and England as a soloist and with a number of orchestras including the Adelaide Chamber Orchestra, NUS Young Orchestra, China Youth Orchestra, China Broadcast Philharmonic Orchestra and Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra.
Emily Gregg (Viola)
Emily Gregg received her music degree in viola performance from Indiana University. She was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Music Faculty Award and T. Taylor Trust Scholarship. Gregg recently completed her performer diploma as a Meadows Artist Scholar at Southern Methodist University. She has been a finalist in several concerto competitions, and has received fellowships to attend festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival and School, Heifetz International Music Institute, Music Academy of the West, and National Repertory Orchestra. She has performed with the New World Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Opera, East Texas Symphony Orchestra, and Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Tianyun Jia (Violin)
Tianyun Jia has been a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since September 2017. She is a multiple award-winning violinist and avid chamber musician hailing from China. She has made frequent guest solo appearances with numerous symphonies all over the world. She has also won prizes in many renowned international competitions. Tianyun has given several solo recitals at prestigious venues, such as London's Royal Festival Hall, the Purcell Room in the Southbank Centre, and Singapore’s Victoria Concert Hall. In her native China, she has performed as soloist in Shanghai Concert Hall and Beijing Concert Hall. In recent seasons she has made solo appearances with the Qingdao Symphony Orchestra and the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra.
Michelle Tseng (Violin)
Michelle Tseng is a member of Los Angeles Philharmonic. Michelle has performed as soloist with the Torrance, Downey, Peninsula, South Coast, USC, and Rio Hondo Symphonies. She has garnered numerous competition and scholarship prizes, receiving First Prize in the Senior Division of the ASTA 2011 National Finals Competition, and presented in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of LA Music Center as a Grand Prize winner of the 2009 Los Angeles Spotlight Awards. She has been concertmaster with distinguished conductors such as David Robertson, Alan Gilbert, Jaap van Zweden, and Carl St. Clair, and performed at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Sydney Opera House, and other notable venues across the globe.
Natasha Marin (Harpsichord) and
Marisa de Silva (Soprano)
Natasha Marin performs extensively in the US and internationally as a soloist, with orchestra, chamber ensembles and piano duos in venues such as St. Petersburg Philharmonic and Capella Halls in Russia, Carnegie Weill Recital Hall in New York, Comerica Theater in Phoenix, AZ, among others. Marisa de Silva has participated in numerous music festivals around the world with the Spanish, Japanese, Baroque, Ibero-American, and American New Music repertoire. Ms. De Silva is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and has taught voice for more than ten years.
Yuliya Gorenman (Piano)
Award-winning American pianist Yuliya Gorenman has been rightfully called “a pianist without fear.” Gorenman first achieved international acclaim in 1995 as a prizewinner of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition in Belgium. Since then, she has been performing solo, chamber, and orchestral concerts throughout the world, earning consistent praise for her artistic fire, extraordinary virtuosity, and the depth of her interpretations. As a fellow at the Tanglewood Festival, she appeared in a PBS educational video for Sony Classical with Seiji Ozawa and Wynton Marsalis, and she gave a joint concert with Billy Joel, performing his classical concert works, which she arranged. The concert was broadcast nationally on NPR. Gorenman is serving as an advisor for the Board of Governors of the Washington, DC, chapter of the Recording Academy (Grammy). More info: www.yuliya.com
Camila Lima (Soprano)
American/Argentinian soprano Camila Lima made her debut in the role of Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata in Barcelona, Spain. She has sung the roles of Gilda in Rigoletto, Nedda in I Pagliacci, Elena in the Zarzuela El Barbero de Sevilla, the Sleep Fairy/Sandman in Hansel und Gretel, among others. She has sung at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles and at Carnegie Hall in New York. She was the winner of alternate First Prize of the 2018 international New York Lyric Opera Competition and semi-finalist at the Montserrat Caballe Competition in Zaragoza and the Jaume Aragall Competition in Sabadell, both in Spain. She currently lives in Los Angeles.
Steven Vanhauwaert (Piano)
A native of Belgium, Steven Vanhauwaert was hailed by the Los Angeles Times’ Mark Swed for his “impressive clarity, sense of structure and monster technique.” Mr. Vanhauwaert has appeared in solo recitals at the world’s leading venues, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa. Many of Mr. Vanhauwaert’s performances have been broadcast live on networks such as PBS, K-MZT, K-USC and others. He was also a featured guest in a documentary on creativity for the German/French channel ARTE. He is the co-director of the Unbound Chamber Music Festival in Mammoth Lakes, a 3-week long summer festival featuring guest artists from around the world. He is the recipient of the Maurice Lefranc award, the Galiot Prize, and the Grand Prize at the 2004 Los Angeles International Liszt Competition. Mr. Vanhauwaert is a Steinway Artist.
Susan Greenberg (Flute)
Susan Greenberg enjoys a versatile career as soloist, chamber musician, symphony player, and recording artist. The Los Angeles Times has described her playing as “brilliant,” “elegant” and “supple,” and has lauded her “panache” and “musical projection.” She has performed with the LA Philharmonic, LA Opera, New York City Opera, American Ballet Theater, among others. During her 36 years with the LA Chamber Orchestra, she frequently premiering concertos especially written for her. Ms. Greenberg has received the “Most Valuable Player” award from the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences. She is presently the flute professor at Pepperdine University. Ms. Greenberg is the Co-Artistic Director of Chamber Music Palisades, now celebrating its nineteenth season. Ms. Greenberg has recorded over 500 motion pictures.
Cristina Montes Mateo (Harp)
Winner of the 1st Prize in the XII Edition of the “Torneo Internazionale di Musica” (Rome, 2006) and the 1st Prize in the International Harp Competition “V. Bucchi” (2009), Cristina Montes Mateo is recognized as one of the leading harpists of her generation throughout the world. She is currently a solo harpist at the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana in the Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía, an orchestra created by Lorin Maazel and conducted also by Zubin Mehta, Valery Gergiev and Riccardo Chailly. She has also been Principal Harp with the Munich Philharmonic and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. She has also played at the Berlin Philharmonie, Royal Albert Hall of London, Tonhalle in Zurich, Théatre du Châtelet of Paris and the Carnegie Hall of New York. Cristina heads Harp Department at the Conservatorio Superior de Música “Joaquín Rodrigo” of Valencia (Spain).
Kenton Youngstrom (Guitar)
Kenton Youngstrom is a guitarist, composer, and educator who earned his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the University of Southern California. His eclectic performing career includes appearances as a soloist with orchestras such as the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, New Haven Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, and Redlands Symphony. He toured internationally with the Falla Guitar Trio, performing in Hong Kong, Geneva, throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico, and for Radio France. Mr. Youngstrom has performed concerts and recitals with numerous jazz notables such as pianist Dave Brubeck, flutist Hubert Laws, bassist Putter Smith, and drummer Paul Kribeck. He also led an international jazz big band at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Mr. Youngstrom teaches guitar at the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles.
Project CSQ (String Quartet)
Project CSQ - an offshoot of the acclaimed California String Quartet - presents unique musical works, with a focus on local SoCal composers, who were very excited about this new collaboration of artists, and have written pieces especially for this ensemble of players. The quartet frequently performs the original works by living composers George S. Clinton, Anna Drubich, Jongnic Bontemps, Sujin Nam, and Luanne Homzy. All participant of the quartet (Luanne Homzy, violin 1; Rebecca Chung, violin 2; Jonah Sirota, viola; and Evgeny Tonkha, cello) are enjoying their own successful performing careers, but together their talents truly shine and their unique performances undoubtedly enrich Los Angeles's vibrant music scene.
Uyanga Bold (Voice)
Úyanga Bold is an internationally acclaimed vocalist, composer and performing artist from Mongolia based in Los Angeles. COSMOPOLITAN Magazine nominated her as Best Female Singer of the Year. Uyanga is recognized for her work as a vocal soloist with the Masterpiece Experience and the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra performing Hans Zimmer’s “Batman: The Dark Knight” Suite with over twelve million views. She also sang on Disney and Google Japan projects, as well as on a special commission from the Boston Ballet, which also garnered millions of views. “Masterful range and consistency...” - Electronic Musicians Magazine; “Her voice harkens back to ancient civilizations” - FORBES Magazine; "Her musicality is virtuosic and her technical abilities are world class" - composer Dan Gross. Uyanga studied Berklee College of Music.
Chase Flow (Voice)
Chase “Chase Flow” Bradley born in Philadelphia, PA to Ministers Saul & Dr. Robin R. Bradley THD. In his early years he adapted to just about all types of music, but hip hop and jazz were his main interests. In pursuit of escalating his new born talent chase began to develop his skills as an emcee by accepting engagements to minister thru performances for various youth ministries. Chase had the privilege of sharing the stage with a few major artists who went on to be Grammy, Dove and stellar nominated award winners like BB Jay, Coffee of Grits, Infinity, Japhia Life and Saint Man just to name a few. He has distributed thousands of mix tapes throughout the country and has made his music available worldwide through the internet.
Adam Coleman (Piano)
Adam Coleman is the winner of a number of competitions. He has also received top prizes from the Westside Committee of the LA Philharmonic. Adam is an active chamber musician and has organized and performed in chamber music benefit concerts. These concerts have raised over $100,000 to benefit SHAWL House (a program supporting women in their journey of recovering from addiction) and over $2,500 to benefit the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Besides playing the piano, Adam also studied percussion and conducting. Additionally, Adam studied at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, the Chautauqua Institution, the University of Miami Frost School of Music, the Dublin International Piano Academy, the Brevard Music Center, and the Orford Music Academy. Adam holds Master of Music degree from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Leonard Chong (Violin)
Violinist Leonard Chong has been a recipient of numerous prestigious awards which include the State Championship of the California ASTA competition, 1st Place in the Junior VOCE State Competition and the National Championship of the MTNA Ensemble division with his ensemble, the MC² Piano Trio. Leonard made his solo debut at the age of 10 and has since performed as guest soloist with the Palos Verdes Regional Orchestra during its 2011-14 seasons, as well as with the Bellflower Symphony Orchestra, Beach Cities Symphony Orchestra, Culver City Symphony Orchestra, Brentwood Symphony Orchestra, the Antelope Valley Orchestra, at the Montecito Summer Festival, and on the prestigious LACMA Sunday's Live Radio Concert Series. Leonard has recently graduated from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.
Anli Lin Tong (Piano)
Under the sponsorship of Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, young Anli traveled to New York where she became the youngest pupil at Juilliard. As a soloist, she has appeared with the Taiwan Symphony Orchestra in the National Arts Festival, the Chinese Fine Arts Orchestra, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Bratislava Chamber Orchestra, the Livic Chamber Orchestra, the Burbank Phiharmonic Orchestra, and in repeat engagements with the Beach Cities Symphony Orchestra. As a dedicated chamber musician, Ms. Tong has collaborated with renowned artists. Praised by critics for her “pointed grace” (Los Angeles Times), and “exquisite pianism” (Chinese American News), Anli Lin Tong’s concerts have taken her to such halls as the Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, Taipei Symphony Hall, the Bordeaux Opera House, and the Getty Center in LA.
Sean Wilson (Violin)
Sean Wilson is the youngest musician featured in the Palos Verdes Music Salon series, but nevertheless, very well deserving! Born in Kazakhstan, Sean began his violin studies at age of five and by the time he turned eleven he has already performed on stages of Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Kennedy Center. He was also featured on the Potter’s Violin broadcast. While living with his family overseas, Sean earned his place as a soloist with the AMIS (Association for Music in International Schools) orchestra, and premiered Duet a Duel, a violin and orchestra piece commissioned from Kirt Mosier for Sean and the Singapore American School orchestra. Now, a student of Richard Schwabe at Colburn, Sean is aspiring to make violin his career.
Tzvetanka Varimezova (Voice)
Tzvetanka Varimezova (Voice, Tambura) is a tireless promoter of Bulgarian folk music throughout the world and a dedicated educator. Tzvetanka has been a Professor of Etnomusicology at UCLA for the past couple of decades and has been working with folk choirs in Denmark, France, Greece, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, Spain, and the U.S. She has many solo recordings to her name and is well known for her brilliant, high-pitched tone quality and her unique interpretations of the highly ornamented songs from different regions of Bulgaria.
Dimitris Mahlis (Oud)
Oudist, guitarist and composer Dimitris "Jimmy" Mahlis has become known in musical circles as an eclectic interpreter of many musical traditions. Having a thorough knowledge of both eastern and western musical traditions, he has developed a playing style on several instruments, which is both earthy, yet intricate. As a composer, his pieces have set a standard in cross cultural pollination. He composed all the original music for his projects including 5 albums with the duo Wahid, “Protoleia” with The Mahlis-Panos Project, and “Aphrodite Moves On” with his electric quartet Babaghanoush. Dimitris Is featured on a number of recent films including Oscar winner “Argo”, “ The Angel” and “ The Power Of The Game”.
Leo Chelyapov (Duduk)
Leo Chelyapov is known for his unique infusion of pure, traditional Jewish folk music into the fabric of American popular culture. Leo performed on the soundtrack for the Howard Stern's film Private Parts, and played clarinet for the Passover comedy When Do We Eat? by Salvador Litvak. He has performed with popular rock bands Porno for Pyros and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. He has been featured on Late Night with David Letterman, MTV, and at Madison Square Garden. Leo Chelyapov is an accomplished composer and arranger. He was commissioned to arrange Klezmer Dances for the famous Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, recorded on Sony Classical. In 2013, Leo played woodwinds for the run of When you are in Love, the Whole World is Jewish directed by Jason Alexander. Over his rich career Leo has collaborated with numerous classical and world/jazz music ensembles.
Jie Ma (Pipa/Ruan)
From a long line of traditional Chinese musicians, Jie Ma began studying music and playing the pipa at age 5. She became a professional musician at age 14. Jie received her Bachelor of Music degree from one of China's top music schools - Tianjin Conservatory. After coming to the United States in 2004, Jie began exploring the possibilities of blending traditional pipa techniques with Western music and sounds from all over the world. Jie's impressive technique, exotic sound, musical curiosity, and tremendous stage presence are not to be missed. Jie has performed in China, Japan, England, and at a wide variety of venues throughout the United States (particularly in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York), as a soloist, in ensembles, and as a featured performer. In 2009, Jie was referred to in the U.K. newspaper, The Guardian, as one of the "notable" pipa players in the West.
Hui Wu (Piano)
Hui Wu has won numerous competitions including first prizes in the Kosciuszko Chopin Competition in New York, the Murray Dranoff International Artists Competition in Miami, and the 65th Steinway International Piano Competition. Hui has also won top prizes in the Ettlingen International Competition in Germany, the Corpus Christi International Competition, Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund Award, Young Artists Concerto Competition in Texas, the National Youth Piano Competition of GulangYu International Piano Art Festival and the Golden Clock Piano Competition in China. Her performances include concerts at Disney Concert Hall and Lincoln Center. Hui earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the USC. She is teaching at Colburn Community School of Performing Arts, Moorpark College, Cal Lutheran University, and Junior Chamber Music.
Carrie Dennis (Viola)
Carrie Dennis entered the Curtis Institute of Music at the age of 16 as a violin student She received her B.A. in violin performance in 1999. She returned to Curtis in 2000 to study viola, but halfway into her second year she earned a position in the Philadelphia Orchestra as Associate Principal Viola. She was invited by Simon Rattle to audition for the Berlin Philharmonic, and served as Solo Viola for the Berlin Philharmonic for two years. She joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic as Principal Viola in 2008. Carrie is known for her extremely passionate and animated style of performing. From LA Times' full profile on Carrie Dennis: "...up on the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage you couldn’t miss Carrie Dennis, even while surrounded by 100-plus other Los Angeles Philharmonic musicians."
Olga Krimon (Visual Artist)
Olga Krimon's style is grounded in fundamental principles of academic realism (growing up she was largely influenced by Repin, Serov, Brullov, Levitan, Kramskoy, Fechin and other Russian titans), and bold energy of movement and expressive brushstrokes. Olga’s figurative and still life paintings are recognized by the Portrait Society of America PSoA (International Competition 1st Place Drawing 2016 and 3rd Honor Award 2014, Certificates of Excellence 2011, 2015 and 2018, Members Only 3rd Merit 2015 and Honorable Mention 2014) and American Art Collector Award of Excellence, as well as Oil Painters of America (OPA) Western Regional Competition 2014. She is also a finalist in 2015 and 2016 Art Renewal Center (ARC) International Salon Competition. Olga holds a BA in Art History, and an MBA from USC. More info: www.olgakrimon.com
Sérgio Coelho (Clarinet)
Sérgio Coelho was born in Portugal. He performed regularly with the Orchestra Artave, Orchestra APROARTE and the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra. He taught at the Academia da Sociedade Filarmónica Vizelense and Escola das Artes do Alentejo Litoral. Sérgio won prizes in national and international competitions such as: American Youth Symphony Concerto Competition, Jacques Lancelot International Clarinet Competition, Inatel Prize (soloist prize from the Academia Superior de Orquestra da Metropolitana), 8th Saverio Mercadante International Clarinet Competition and others. Sérgio collaborated with the National Repertory Orchestra Festival and the Eastern Sierra Symphony Festival. In 2018 Sérgio performed with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (New Zealand). He also performed with the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra and the USC Symphony Orchestra.
David Rejano (Trombone)
David Rejano is the Principal Trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2016. He also served as Principal Trombone with the Orquestra Sinfonica de Navarra, the Orquestra del Gran Teatro del Liceo de Barcelona, and the Münchner Philharmoniker. He has performed with the Berliner Philharmoniker, Orchestre National de France, Seoul Philharmonic, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks and the Orchestre de l’Opéra de Paris. David gives Masterclasses all over the world, including at the Guildhall School of London, Conservatoire National Superieur de Paris, New England Conservatory, CSU Northridge, UCLA, USC, Montclair State University, Münchner Musikhochschule, Landeskonservatorium Innsbruck, Barenboim-Said Academy and the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music. Mr Rejano teaches at the Colburn School Conservatory.
The Latsos (Piano Duo)
The duo was formed in 2014 by pianists Giorgi Latso and his wife Anna Fedorova-Latso. The Latsos has been praised for its “brilliance and stylistic insight” by Los Angeles Weekly. They are a favorite among many concert organizers with the Internationale Chopin-Gesellschaft calling their performances “thrilling and flamboyant” and the MTNA Society hailing their "intelligence, liveliness and enormous charm’'. The Latsos have performed and recorded a number of unusual and largely unknown treasures from the duo-piano repertoire. They are frequent guests on radios such as K-USC Radio, “Classic FM” Sunday Live, NDR Kultur, America Matters, KCKQ-AM 1180, and they regularly perform at prestigious music halls and scholarly conferences worldwide as well as serve as judges at various international, national and regional piano competitions. www.thelatsos.com
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Gene Coye (Drums)
As a child, Gene taught himself to play drums. Throughout his youth, he was mentored by gospel drumming great, Terry Banks. By the time he was a teenager, Gene was playing in numerous community choirs and jazz ensembles spanning from Chicago to LA, and even formed a tour schedule as a junior in high school. Gene received his BFA in Jazz Performance at California Institute of the Arts, where he studied under famed jazz legend, Joe La Barbera (pianist Bill Evans ’drummer). While in college, Gene toured the world with Carlos Santana, and his son, Salvador. Upon graduating, he quickly established himself as one of the most sought after drummers in Los Angeles. Of late, Gene has been touring Europe and the US with famed guitarist, Larry Carlton, in addition to playing with James Torme (son of Mel Torme), and numerous other high profile artists in the LA area.
Dan Chmielinski (Bass)
Dan Chmielinski is a New York Times critically acclaimed, award winning bassist, composer, producer and bandleader who also creates original projects under his own brand, Chimy Music. Dan has traveled the world, performing, collaborating and recording with world class musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Joey Alexander, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Marc Cary, Chase Baird, Brad Mehldau, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Jon Batiste, Beka Gochiashvili, Antonio Sanchez, Ulysses Owens Jr., Nir Felder, Etienne Charles, Camille Bertault, Mike Moreno, Bryan Carter, Eric Harland, and Carl Allen and The New York Jazz Symposium, to name a few. Dan founded and leads several groups of his own, including “Four by Four,” an octet innovatively showcasing jazz quartet alongside string quartet, and “Circuit Kisser,” an electronic ensemble.
Julian Pollack (Piano)
Julian “J3PO” Pollack is an established pianist/keyboardist, producer, and audio engineer. Described by Timeout New York as a musician who “deftly balances virtuosity with tenderness,” Julian is an in-demand sideman, as well a leader of his own projects. When he was just18 years old, he was featured on Piano Jazz, the syndicated NPR show. In addition to his two piano trio albums—Infinite Playground and Waves of Albion, Julian has also written music for orchestra, including his own Piano Concerto (2012) and orchestral suite Night Flower (2013), and has performed internationally with orchestras around the world. He also composed a string quartet that was commissioned by the Telluride Chamber Music Festival and the Ives String Quartet. This year he completed his first feature film score for the movie The Sound Of The Wind. More info: www.JulianPollack.com
Philip Vaiman (Violin)
Philip Vaiman is a Russian-born American violinist whose wonderful musicality and unlimited technical possibilities have captured audiences in Europe, America, and Asia. Philip Vaiman performed as a soloist and chamber musician all over Russia, England, Israel and Cyprus. His concerts have won the admiration of audiences, and critical acclaim in the major newspapers throughout Russia, United States, England, Sweden and the Netherlands. Philip Vaiman is featured on a soundtrack of the 2007 Oskar-winning film “West-Bank story” He also collaborated with such artists as Placido Domingo, Andrea Boccelli, Tony Bennett, Shakira, Mexican superstar Juan Gabriel, Persian cultural icon Googoosh, Dwight Yoakam, Lindsey Lohan as well as rock bands such as Guns N' Roses, Goo Goo Dolls, and KISS.
Laura Mazon Franqui (Guitar)
Born in Cuba, Laura Mazon Franqui is an internationally awarded guitarist. Recently endorsed by Cordoba Guitars and awarded with the GSI Foundation Award, she embodies the "new virtuoso" paradigm. By breaking boundaries and offering a unique musical perspective of the guitar, infused by the rich cultural heritage of her Cuban roots, the best of the classical traditions, and the contemporary trends and influences of the 21st Century, she seeks to take the classical guitar to a higher level of reception, to new audiences and generations, while also delivering new levels of vitality and excellence, elegance, creativity and storytelling through polished musicianship. An active performer since age ten, Laura has been performing at hundreds of venues around the world in countries such as Cuba, Spain, Ecuador and the United States and engaging in multiple recording collaborations.
Sergey Kosemyan (Cello)
Recipient of the UNESCO Gold Medal dedicated to the 100th anniversary of birth of Aram Khachaturian (the only cellist in the world who was given this award), 2008 Prize winner of the following International Competitions: Aram Khachaturian International Competition, 2006, Pierre Lantier Intenational Chamber Music Competition (Grand Prix), 2002, and National Young Artist’s Competition in Yerevan, Armenia (First Prize), 1997. Winner of the Premier Prix de La Conservatoire National Superior de Paris, 2002. Solo and Chamber Music Recitals: Salle Gaveau (Paris), Eglise de Trinite (Paris), Picasso Museum (Paris), Festival Saou Chante Mozart (France). Many recitals at the Festival of Union of Armenian Composers (Armenia), Teatro Isauro Martinez in Torreon (Mexico). Recorded a solo-cello soundtrack for ballet “Two Suns” by A. Ariyan for Washington Ballet Company.
Anna Markosyan (Piano, Visual Artist)
Anna Markosyan is a graduate of the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory, and winner of the A. Babajanyan National Piano Competition (Armenia). She has performed in chamber ensembles in Armenia, Russia, Europe, Mexico and the USA. Anna Markosyan (Annushka Mark) is also an innovative visual artist/sculptor, who creates unique fine art dolls using a wide array of mixed materials. Her magical creations are product of a true artist. Her art is a representation of a pure love for humanity, fine craftsmanship, and humor.
Maksim Velichkin (Cello)
Maksim Velichkin has been active as a solo performer, and a chamber and orchestral collaborator in Southern California and throughout the world. A graduate of Duquesne University and USC, he has appeared as a soloist with Uzbekistan National Symphony, Duquesne Contemporary Ensemble, and the American Youth Symphony, as well as Torrance, Westchester, Southeast and Bellflower orchestras. Velichkin has toured extensively to Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Australia with the prestigious Verbier Chamber and Verbier Festival Symphony Orchestras. His performances have been featured on Radio Swiss Romande, WQED-FM in Pittsburgh, and National Radio and Television of Uzbekistan.
Svetlana Smolina (Piano)
Stunningly talented, Svetlana Smolina is a highly sought-after world-renowned classical pianist who has performed with orchestras including Mariinsky Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher, St.Petersburg Philharmonic, Orchestra National de France, and Dublin Philharmonic, to name a few. Described by LA Times as “an outstanding pianist with luxuriant tone,” and by New York Times as "mesmerizing and dynamic", Svetlana has won numerous prestigious international competitions. ”Simply flawless” (Toronto Performing Arts Examiner), "the one who gets the most extended standing ovations" (The Day), ”producing dazzling effects, bringing audience close to frenzy, just as Chopin did in his concerts” (Herald Tribune), “superb soloist” (International Herald Tribune) – these are just a few quotes that Svetlana received in her reviews.
Roberto Cani (Violin)
A native of Milan, violinist Roberto Cani studied at the Milan Conservatory of Music, the Gnessin Institute of Music in Moscow and the University of Southern California. He has been guest concertmaster for the London Philharmonic and the La Scala Philharmonic. He has performed as a soloist with the Moscow Philharmonic, the Orchestra of La Scala in Milan, RAI Symphony (Italy), Haydn Orchestra of Bolzano, Orchestra Cantelli, Belgrade Orchestra, Zagreb Orchestra and Missouri Chamber Orchestra. His performances have been televised nationally for PBS, RAI in Italy, RB in Yugoslavia, NHK in Japan, ZDF in Germany and in Taiwan. He has also participated in Chamber Music Festivals in Berlin, Hamburg, and Vienna. Mr. Cani has been appointed Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra in May 2011.
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Xavier Prado (Tenor)
Xavier Prado has made various appearances in operas, recitals, & concerts. Mr. Prado was featured as the tenor soloist for a concert tour of Beethoven's 9th Symphony with the Rousse Philharmonic Orchestra in Bulgaria. He has performed opera and oratorio with the California Philharmonic Chorale, Golden State Pops Choral, Opera Chorus of Los Angeles & the Dream Orchestra, Livermore Valley Opera, Santa Barbara Choral Society, Center Stage Opera, Cameretta of Los Angeles, Antelope Valley College Opera, Antelope Valley Symphony and Master Chorale, Ridgecrest Opera Guild, Pacific Palisades Symphony and Opera en Castellano. In 2020 he was selected as one of the winners of the Beverly Hills National Auditions & presented a recital series throughout Southern California with Argentine Soprano, Camila Lima.
Ruy Folguera (Piano, Composer)
Ruy Folguera’s music can be heard on a diverse array of films such as “Rush Hour I, II & III”, “Picking Up the Pieces” (2000) starring Woody Allen and Sharon Stone, “The Magnificent Ambersons” (2002), “Nina” (2016), a biopic on Nina Simone starring Zoe Saldana and David Oyelowo, and many more. Graduated magna cum laude from Berkeley College of Music, Ruy’s beginnings in film took place alongside scoring legends Lalo Schifrin and Maurice Jarre. As a producer, performer and arranger, Ruy Folguera has worked with legends of the music scene, including David Coverdale of “Whitesnake” and Mike Patton of “Faith No More”, Roberta Flack, Colin Hay of “Men At Work” and Engelbert Humperdink, Neal Schon of “Journey” and Argentina’s superstar Fito Paez.
Dimitri Illarionov (Guitar)
Dimitri Illarionov is a brilliant classical guitarist. He is a multi-award winner of more than 20 international competitions, such as Guitar Foundation of America Competition (2002, Miami, USA) and Francisco Tárrega Guitar Competition (2008, Spain). As well as performing numerous solo recitals, he is a frequent guest-soloist with symphony and chamber orchestras such as I Solisti Veneti, Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia, Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Russia, Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta di Valencia etc. Dimitri Illarionov has recorded several CDs: solo for the Naxos and Daminus labels, with orchestra for Les Editions Doberman-Yppan. His “Classical Duo” CD (Delos Records) with Boris Andrianov was on the longlist of the prestigious “GRAMMY-2004” Awards.
Luanne Homzy (Violin)
Internationally acclaimed American/French-Canadian violinist Luanne Homzy is highly sought-after for her technical facility, sensitive musicality and expansive versatility. First Prize winner of the International Chamber Music Competition Hamburg in 2009 (with the Saguaro Piano Trio), and of the Canadian Music Competition, she has performed concerti with orchestras such as the Montréal Symphony Orchestra, the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra and the Colburn Chamber Orchestra. She served as concertmaster for the Colburn Orchestra, the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra, the American Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. In addition to her performing career, Ms. Homzy composes and arranges jazz, popular, classical, folk, and world music for diverse performing ensembles.
Vadym Kholodenko (Piano)
Vadym Kholodenko, the winner of the 2013 Cliburn Competition, is one of the most musically dynamic and technically gifted pianists, praised on his performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra “for his absorbing melodic shading and glittering passage work” (Philadelphia Enquirer). His 2017 London debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra resulted in an immediate re-invitation, whilst elsewhere in Europe he has recently worked with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitane, Orchestre Philharmonique de Luxembourg, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic, Prague Symphony Orchestra, RTVE Symphony Orchestra in Madrid and Orquesta Nacional de España, to name a few.
Double Sharp (Piano Duo)
Double Sharp is an exciting piano duo, combining talents of two Russian born pianists, Natasha Marin and Maria Demina. Double Sharp performs technically challenging and diverse music by Russian Romantic and 20th century composers. The duo often adds an innovative theatrical element to the performance incorporating one of a kind consumes created by fashion designer Vera Chernova DeFehr as an integral part of their artistic presentation. Since their premiere in 2008 at LACMA’s Sundays Live Series the duo have been prizewinners in piano duo competitions, performed nationwide and abroad in live concerts and radio broadcasts, and made special appearances at charity events for Robert Shapiro’s Foundation and Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock foundation.
Duo Two Accordions
Father and daughter duo TWO ACCORDIONS (Sergei and Maria Teleshev) is one of the most successful and popular groups in its genre. Their versatility, world class musicianship, creativity, in addition to unforgettable stage presence and finesse, make their show a “must see”. Both of them are World Accordion Champions, the winners of International Accordion Competitions in the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Italy, and France. Sergei Teleshev was ranked #1 in Russia and #3 in the world as the most popular and influential Accordionist of the Year 2019 by “Accordion Stars Illustrated” Magazine, New York. In November 2021, Maria Teleshev got the title "Prodigy of the Year" and was selected to grace the cover of the "Accordion Stars Illustrated" Magazine.
The Red Quartet
Latin-jazz-classical ensemble features Marissa Steingold, vocals, Philip Vaiman, violin, Kenton Youngstrom, guitar, and Maksim Velichkin, cello. The Red Quartet presents a departure from the usual string quartet lineup, offering the listeners reimagined adaptations of jazz favorites, such as “Three Preludes” by George Gershwin; J.S. Bach’s timeless “Trio Sonata”; the Brazilian art song “Aria” from “Bachianas Brasilieras” by Villa-Lobos; and playfully sensuous selections from Jobim and Gilberto’s bossa nova standards. The Red Quartet members blend their vastly different musical influences, education, and experiences to create a fluid, sensuous, and passionate ensemble sound. After performing for a number of years in festivals and concert halls in Southern California, The Red Quartet achieved a milestone with the release of their first self-titled album in March of 2021.
Larry Goldings (Piano) and Melinda Sullivan (Tap Dancer)
Larry Goldings is a Grammy-nominated pianist and composer. His organ trio with
Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart has been recognized as "among our presiding paragons of the modern Hammond B-3 organ trio tradition” (Nate Chinen, New York Times). Melinda Sullivan is an American choreographer, dancer, actress and educator. Melinda is one of the most highly sought out tap dance soloists in the world with an incredibly diverse resume in dance, television, and theater. "Ms. Sullivan, with a sly smile and a sense of wonder is a choreographer and a dancer of high ability and polish” (New York Times).
TY Zhang
The highlight of TY Zhang’s international career was the Grand Prize of the 2017 Guitar Foundation of American International Concert Artist Competition (GFA-ICAC), known as the most prestigious guitar contest in the world. TY become the first Chinese to be honored with this prize. His win was followed by a tour with over 50 concerts in the U.S., including his Carnegie Hall debut. In 2018, TY released his solo album with Naxos company as the Laureate Series · Guitar Recital. It was praised as: “one of the most talented young players... I’m struck by the extraordinary levels of mastery, comfort and relative ease.” - Classical Guitar Magazine. “TY Zhang is a new generation musician… we have before us a great guitarist with impeccable technique.” - Guitar World Festival (Russia), 2018