Salon No. 9: “Summertime”

Salon Aux Chandelles is the most exclusive, sophisticated, and immersive concert series that seamlessly blends world-class live music performances with the refined elegance of New York's cultural scene. Held at the historic 3 West Club, each salon offers an intimate setting illuminated by hundreds of flickering candles — a New York reimagining of the timeless elegance of European artistic salons.

Under the artistic direction of internationally acclaimed musicians Alexandra Andreeva and Vartan Mailiantz, the "Summertime" program features iconic masterpieces spanning classical, Broadway, and jazz genres. These performances are delivered by some of New York City's finest musicians, many of whom have graced stages such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

Interwoven with the music are curated readings of timeless poetry, adding a contemplative, literary dimension that deepens the emotional resonance of the evening.

Beyond the music, Salon Aux Chandelles fosters genuine connections among attendees from the realms of fashion, finance, music, and the arts. Post-concert, guests are invited to mingle over curated refreshments, engaging in meaningful conversations that extend the evening's enchantment.

This series is more than a concert—it's a celebration of art, culture, and sophistication, offering an unforgettable experience that transcends the ordinary.

*Program:

1. Modest Mussorgsky – Gopak (2')

Performers: ARTLEX Duo
Alexandra Andreeva, viola
Vartan Mailiantz, violin

1. Johann Sebastian Bach – Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: Prelude (4')

Performer:
Andrew Gonzalez, Violoncello da Spalla

1. Dmitri Shostakovich – Three Duets for Two Violins and Piano (Arr. for violin and viola) (7')

Performers:
Alexandra Andreeva, viola
Vartan Mailiantz, violin
Sergey Ioroff, piano

1. Giacomo Puccini – “Un bel dì, vedremo” from Madama Butterfly (4')

Performers:
Valeria Chibis, soprano
Sergey Ioroff, piano

1. Leonard Bernstein – I Feel Pretty from West Side Story (4')

Performers:
Valeria Chibis, soprano
Sergey Ioroff, piano

1. George Gershwin / arr. Jascha Heifetz – Three Preludes (6')

Vartan Mailiantz, violin
Sergey Ioroff, piano

1. George Gershwin – Summertime (arr. for String Ensemble) (3')

Performers:

Alexandra Andreeva, solo viola

ARTLEX String Quartet:

Vartan Mailiantz, 1st violin
Peyton Cook, 2nd violin
Andrew Gonzalez, viola
Shu-Wei Tseng, cello

1. Leonard Bernstein – "Maria" from the musical "West Side Story" (4')

Performers:

Eric Carter, soprano
Sergey Ioroff, piano

1. Leonard Bernstein – Mambo from West Side Story (3')

Performers: ARTLEX String Quartet

Vartan Mailiantz, 1st violin
Peyton Cook, 2nd violin
Alexandra Andreeva, viola
Shu-Wei Tseng, cello

Alexandra Andreeva is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning violist known for her exquisite tone and extraordinary musicality. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the J. F. Kennedy Center. With a career spanning more than a decade, Andreeva has captivated audiences across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas with her profound artistry and expressive interpretations. Her passion for both classical and contemporary works has made her a highly sought-after performer, celebrated for her ability to bring depth and elegance to every stage she graces.

Vartan Mailiantz is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning concert violinist, celebrated for his captivating performances and profound artistry. He has graced the stages of over 20 countries across Europe, Asia, South, and North America, performing as a soloist at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Albert Hall, Lincoln Center, and the J. F. Kennedy Center. Renowned for his virtuosic technique and deep emotional expression, Mailiantz excels as both a soloist and chamber musician, delivering unforgettable performances that resonate with audiences worldwide. His unwavering dedication to music has established him as one of the most sought-after violinists of his generation.

Andrew Gonzalez. Hailed by The Strad Magazine for his “warm-hearted playing and mellow tone,” violist Andrew Gonzalez leads an acclaimed international career as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator. A Juilliard graduate, he has collaborated with Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Sejong Soloists, and members of the Guarneri, Juilliard, and Borromeo Quartets, and performs regularly with the New York Philharmonic, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and New York City Ballet. A passionate historical performer, he is one of the few musicians worldwide playing the rare Violoncello da Spalla and gave the NYC premiere of all six Bach Cello Suites on the instrument. Andrew is the violist of the Jasper String Quartet and teaches at the Heifetz Institute.

Valeria Chibis, an operatic soprano and laureate of international competitions, is known for her electrifying stage presence. She debuted as Tatiana in "Eugene Onegin" at France's Durance Luberon Festival in 2017. Valeria has performed at Carnegie Hall, Opera America Center, the United Nations, and more, and continues to inspire audiences worldwide with her extraordinary voice.

Sergei Iorov, is a virtuoso pianist and opera coach, a laureate of international competitions, and an esteemed graduate of Moscow State Conservatory. Sergey trained as an opera coach at the Bolshoi Theatre’s Young Opera Program and now resides in New York, where he collaborates with top-tier musicians and singers at The New School and across Europe and the US.

Shu-Wei Tseng is an internationally acclaimed Taiwanese-British concert pianist and cellist celebrated for her technical mastery and emotional depth. She has performed on four continents, appearing in world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, and the Royal Festival Hall. With over 30 years of performing and 25 years of teaching experience, Shu-Wei has held faculty positions at institutions including The Yehudi Menuhin School, Oxford University, and the University of Colorado Boulder. A sought-after masterclass clinician and jury member, she holds a DMA, MSc in Psychology, and multiple degrees from London’s Royal Academy of Music. She currently serves on CU Boulder’s Forever Buffs Advisory Board.

Pawel Knapik is a Polish-American double bassist and composer praised as “an extraordinary double bass player” by leading contemporary artists. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and Wroclaw Academy of Music, he is a member of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and performs with major ensembles including the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and the Vienna Philharmonic. As principal bassist, he has led sections in renowned U.S. and European orchestras, and is an active chamber musician with groups such as the Manhattan Chamber Players and Twelfth Night. An award-winning composer and educator, Pawel has performed as a soloist across Europe and North America, and plays a 1934 Oreste Martini bass.

Peyton Cook was named a “Memphis Music All-Star” by The Commercial Appeal at age 17 after winning the Germantown Concerto Competition and Beethoven Club Competition. Recently, he was an “Emerging Artist” at Music from Salem and The Next Festival, and currently plays with the Westside Chamber Players. Peyton frequently is an orchestral player having played in the Cape Anne Symphony, Portsmouth Symphony, Plymouth Philharmonic, NEMPAC Opera, Great Bay Philharmonic, and more. He has also played in recording studio projects with Curtis Stewart, Yvette Young, and various video game soundtracks. He has also served as Assistant Director for the Promisek Solo String Workshop founded by Katie Lansdale. He received a Bachelor’s degree from The Boston Conservatory with Katie Lansdale and is currently working on his Master’s degree at Mannes School of Music with Rebecca Fischer. Peyton lives in NYC and is currently working on new collaborative works with film and dance.

*subject to change

What's the music?

Alexandra Andreeva