May 17th SZALON!

1.    Christine Tassan (vocals/guitar) performs “Sur la route” and “Merci aux enfants du Labrador!”, two compositions from her album “Sur la route” recorded with her Gypsy jazz band Christine Tassan et les Imposteures, from her studio in Montreal, Québec, Canada

2.    Nashirah: the Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia performs excerpts from Piyutim by Dov Carmel; Adonai Ro’i by Gerald Cohen (Soloists: Jaclyn Rakhman, Emily Reich, Joel Kutner) and Dona Dona from “Esterke” by Sholom Secunda (arr. Josh Jacobson), Julia Zavadsky, director, Soyeon Bin, piano, from the Szalon

3.    Kirk O’Riordan, saxophone and Holly Roadfeldt, piano perform Two Tangos by Astor Piazzolla (arr. Kirk O’Riordan) “Oblivion”, “Libertango”, from the Szalon

4.    Violinist Cyrano Jett Rosentrater and pianist Tatiana Abramova perform a diverse selection of picturesque music by composers Toru Takemitsu and Giya Kancheli, from the Szalon

5.    Flutist Sarah Shin and pianist Rachel Choo premiere Watercolors for flute and piano by Juri Seo, from the Szalon

6.    Soprano Juliet Rand and pianist Michal Schmidt perform “Cliff” and “Edge” from The Rim of Love by Andrea Clearfield, to poetry by Manfred Fischbeck, from the Szalon

7.    Brian Morris, flute, performs The Great Train Race by Ian Clarke, from the Szalon

8.    Rich Rudin (piano/composer) performs two of his original compositions with Stan Slotter (trumpet & flute) and Bruce Kaminsky (bass), from the Szalon

9.    Sendi Vartanovi (violin) and Ani Gigauri (piano) perform cinematic lyricism to the vibrant spirit of Georgian musical tradition with “Across the Stars” by John Williams and “Sachidao” by Sulkhan Tsintsadze, from the Szalon

10. Chris Wood aka Gorgeous Porch performs two new songs from his new album, Cemetery Rainbows, from the Szalon 

Christine Tassan

Christine Tassan is a Canadian guitarist, singer, and composer who has built a vibrant and versatile career over more than two decades. One of the rare female soloists in jazz and gypsy jazz guitar, she is known for her melodic sensitivity, distinctive style, and dynamic stage presence. After classical training, she developed a passion for gypsy jazz following her discovery of Django Reinhardt, later founding her group Christine Tassan et les Imposteures in 2003, with whom she has performed extensively across Canada and internationally. Alongside this project, she explores other musical directions, including modern jazz on electric guitar, as heard on her album Voyage intérieur, which earned several award nominations. She has also collaborated on diverse projects such as Bruissement boréal, blending jazz with natural textures and world music influences. In addition to performing and recording, she is an active educator, teaching at Django in June and giving workshops around the world, further contributing to the vitality and transmission of gypsy jazz.

Links:
Recordings: https://christinetassan.bandcamp.com
Donation: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9NEVPSZVR6ADL
Website: https://christinetassan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristineTassanMusic
Instagram: @ChristineTassan
Youtube: www.YouTube.com/@ChristineTassan

Videos:

Nashirah: the Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia

Nashirah: the Jewish Chorale of Philadelphia enters its twenty-fourth year as the only auditioned, community-based chorale in the greater Philadelphia area performing exclusively Jewish and Jewish-themed music. Their distinct musical programming embodies the broadest possible range of Jewish repertoire, bringing together choral music of many lands, languages, and cultures, spanning the borders of many continents and the boundaries of time. Always striving for the highest degree of musicianship, they infuse their performances with “Neshama” ("soul"), by which they touch the hearts of our audiences here in the United States and Europe. Nashirah has been honored to participate in international festivals, including the Louis Lewandowski Festival in Berlin, Germany, and the European Jewish Choral Festival in Paris, France. Moreover, this coming June, we are excited to continue this global engagement with an upcoming appearance at the European Jewish Choral Festival in Prague. Nashirah's singers hail from all walks of life in the Tri-State area and are united by a commitment to musical excellence and a love of singing Jewish choral music. 

Links:

Website: nashirah.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nashirah.philadelphia/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nashirah8339
To Donate : https://www.nashirah.org/support

Videos:

Kirk O’Riordan and Holly Roadfeldt

Holly Roadfeldt is an American pianist known for bringing together contemporary and classical music in thoughtful, engaging programs. Praised by American Record Guide as a “perfect pairing of technical prowess and innate sensitivity,” she has premiered over 150 works by more than four dozen composers and performed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Her projects often center on connection and storytelling, including The Preludes Project, which paired new works with the standard repertoire in performances across 17 states. Recent and upcoming recordings include Hommages (2025) and North American Narratives (2027). As founder of Two Rivers Artists, she is committed to creating meaningful musical experiences within the community.

Kirk O’Riordan is a dynamic force, captivating audiences as a saxophonist, composer, conductor, and educator. Dr. O'Riordan joined the faculty of Lafayette College in 2009, and serves as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands. As a saxophonist, Kirk has performed regularly at the World Saxophone Congress, the US Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, and at regional and national meetings of the North American Saxophone Alliance. A frequent recitalist with pianist Holly Roadfeldt, Kirk's programs regularly combine his own compositions and transcriptions of art song with works from the standard repertoire for saxophone and piano. Kirk has studied saxophone with Frederick L. Hemke, John Sampen, Eugene Rousseau; composition with Rodney Rogers, Randall Shinn, and Marilyn Shrude; and conducting with Steven W. Pratt. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University; the Certificate of Performance in Saxophone from Northwestern University; and three Master of Music degrees (composition, saxophone performance, and conducting).

Cyrano Jett Rosentrater and Tatiana Abramova

Cyrano Jett Rosentrater (violin/composer), 18, creates authentic and vivid musical experiences. A Philadelphia native, he is a proud recipient of a Kovner Fellowship at The Juilliard School. He studies composition with John Corigliano and violin with Ronald Copes. Most recently, he received a commission as an NYO-USA Apprentice Composer (’25) and is writing a new violin–percussion work—featuring him as soloist—to be performed in 2026 in collaboration with New York’s acclaimed group Harlem Samba. Cyrano has received several awards for his musical endeavors, including the Marian Anderson Young Artists’ Grant (’18), the Peter Benoliel and Willo Carey Grant (’24), Primavera Artist (’20-25) and the SPHINX MPower Grant (’22, ’24).  He is a winner of the National Young Composers’ Challenge (’24), an inaugural recipient of the Philadelphia All-City Ballet Music Fellowship (’23), and the winner of the Tanglewood Opening Fanfare Call for Scores (’23). Additional awards include the American Composers Forum Solo Violin Call for Scores (’22), first prize in the PMTA Keystone Composition Competition (’24), third prize in the MTNA National Senior Composers’ Competition (’23; State Winner ’21–’24), and first prize in the JW Pepper 70th Anniversary ISME International Composer Competition (’24). A seasoned violinist, Cyrano studied classical violin with Kimberly Fisher (Philadelphia Orchestra) and is a 2025 YoungArts Winner (Classical Music/Violin), a winner of the MTNA Senior String PA competition, and a semifinalist in the 2024 National Sphinx Competition. A frequent leader from the concertmaster chair, he has served as concertmaster of ensembles including the National Pathways Festival Orchestra (Chicago, ’25), Philadelphia Young Musicians Orchestra and Philadelphia All-City Orchestra. Cyrano remains committed to “reaching the unreachable stars,” breaking barriers one note at a time.

Cyrano’s Website: cyranomancer.com
Cyrano’s Instagram: @the_harmonious_blacksmith

For the past 9 years, pianist Tatiana  Abramova held the position of artistic director of the Triumph Music Festival in Philadelphia, USA. Ms. Abramova graduated from Novosibirsk State Conservatory, Russia, under the tutelage of the distinguished professor and Honored Artist of Russia, Academician Mary Lebenzon. In 2014, Ms. Abramova completed the Doctor of Musical Arts program, studying with Professor Harvey Wedeen at Temple University, Philadelphia.

Tatiana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatiana-abramova-66148216a

Videos:

Sarah Shin and pianist Rachel Choo

Dr. Sarah Shin is a vibrant flutist, educator, and collaborator known for her artistry and leadership in the classical music world. She is Lecturer of Flute at Princeton University, a member of the Richardson Chamber Players, and a William S. Haynes Artist, performing on a handmade custom 14k white gold Haynes flute. Her solo album Mozart Concertos for Flute and Orchestra Nos. 1 & 2 is available on Sony Classical.

Pianist Rachel Yunkyung Choo has been praised for her artistry and musical sensitivity and enjoys an active career as a soloist and chamber musician. Rachel made her U.S. debut at the David Geffen Hall (formerly Avery Fisher Hall) at Lincoln Center with the Juilliard Orchestra under maestro James Colon. They will premiere Princeton Composition Professor Juri Seo's piece for flute and piano, Watercolors.

Sarah Shin - Website: https://www.sarahshinflute.com
Sarah Shin - YouTube: YouTube.com/@sarahshinflute
Rachel Choo - Website: https://www.rachelchoopiano.com

Video:

Juliet Rand and Michal Schmidt

Soprano Juliet Rand, from Southold, N.Y., student of Elliot Madore, is the Barbara Moskow Fellow and first entered Curtis in 2021. She received her Bachelor of Music in 2025 and is now pursuing her Master of Music. For Curtis Opera Theatre, Ms. Rand appeared as Euridice (L’Orfeo), Joan of Arc 3 (Savior), Baroness/First Sheep (Candide), Due ragazze (Le nozze di Figaro), Pepík (The Cunning Little Vixen), La Dame élégante (Les Mamelles de Tirésias), and in the choruses of Infernal Angel, L’elisir d’amore, Ariodante and Così fan tutte. She performed Mélisande (Pelléas et Mélisande) for Curtis Voice Studio Opera Scenes, Countess (Le nozze di Figaro), and Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni) for Classic Lyric Arts Opera Scenes. She was a fellowship artist at the Mostly Modern Festival, covered Alcina (Alcina) at the Chautauqua Opera Conservatory, and performed Pamina (Die Zauberflöte) and Despina (Così fan tutte) with the Queens Summer Vocal Institute. Ms. Rand is an organist/singer for St. Patrick's Church, Southold. and sings for Newtown Square Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia.

Website: https://www.julietrandsoprano.com/
Instagram: @juliet__renee

Israeli musician Michal Schmidt has been active as cellist  and pianist in the Philadelphia area since she came to study in the US and graduated from the at the Curtis Institute of Music in the early 80s. She received a Masters degree from the University of the Arts and a DMA degree from Temple University. In 2007 Michal established the series “Tribute” which centers around music by contemporary composers with whom she has close connections. In the last few years, Michal has recorded 10 albums and you’re all invited to a celebration of this  landmark next week on Sunday, March 29 , 3 PM at the Ethical Society. 

Recordings can be found on Spotify, Amazon music, Apple Music and many other online platforms. 

Brian Morris

Brian Morris is a junior at Lafayette College, where he is pursuing a double major in Chemical Engineering and Music. Originally from Clark, New Jersey, he is especially interested in renewable energy and its role in shaping the future. As a flutist, he enjoys sharing music in collaborative, community-centered spaces, including performances with Two Rivers Artists. Outside of school, Brian spends time with his dog, Tiki, and his rabbit, Oreo—his most loyal audience.

Instagram: @thhe_briann

You can also see his work with Two Rivers Artists by following @tworiversartistspa

Rich Rudin, Stan Slotter, and Bruce Kaminsky

Pianist Rich Rudin has composed hundreds of works and has performed regularly throughout the Delaware Valley, playing in a wide variety of styles including classical, jazz, pop, folk and rock.  Rich is also the founder and director of the Maplewood Music Studio in two locations: Germantown and Chestnut Hill, offering lessons on virtually all instruments and in all styles of music.

www.MaplewoodMusicStudio.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/p/Maplewood-Music-Studio-100057060355911/

Stan Slotter has been active on the Philadelphia music scene for many years. Trained as a classical player both on trumpet and on flute, Stan decided early in his career that if he was going to be a professional freelancer and play music for a living, the best way to accomplish this was to try to achieve the greatest possible level of versatility. Throughout the years he has successfully performed many different styles of music on a professional level including Jazz, traditional and modern, Salsa and other Latin forms, Big Band music, Klezmer and Middle eastern styles just to name a few. The unusual flute/trumpet double has also contributed to Stan’s success as a freelancer. Stan has an energetic and heartfelt approach to the trumpet and flute that lends warmth and style to his music.

Bassist Bruce Kaminsky is a working musician, which is another name for a multi-tasking entrepreneur. Besides performing and recording he is on the music faculty of Drexel University and Montgomery County Community College and is the designer and manufacturer of KYDD Basses. www.kyddbass.com.

Sendi Vartanovi and Ani Gigauri

Sendi Vartanovi (violin) and Ani Gigauri (piano) are a duo whose collaboration has been shaped over nearly a decade of touring together across Germany and international stages. In 2025, they founded Light & Bloom, an immersive concert platform that reimagines the classical performance experience through continuous, music-centered programming shaped as a single emotional arc. Their work is rooted in the belief that music carries a profound transformative power—capable of illuminating, healing, and creating deep human connection beyond words. Defined by intensity, clarity, and expressive depth, their performances invite audiences into a space of focused listening and inner stillness, where music unfolds as a living narrative—bringing light and bloom to every listening soul.

Donations through our website are available: 

Website https://www.lightandbloomconcerts.com

Social Media: 

Instagram: @light_and_bloom_concerts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EijnfQinU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Videos:

Chris Wood, AKA Gorgeous Porch

Gorgeous Porch is the lo-fi dreamy art rock solo project of drummer and multi-instrumentalist Christopher C. Wood.  His songs are as catchy as they are moving, with his earnest sunny vocals, airy tones and devotional feel.

Link to latest album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/5Wj5KEN9yhsCQ0d4cSHCuZ?si=QbsWBL7qSQy46DuX4bfOlQ