Kids to Concerts Russia: Barynya

Kids to Concerts Russia: Barynya

Musical Bridges Around the World is proud to report another successful segment of Kids to Concerts during the 18th season at no charge to the schools visited! On February 18-19, 2016 Barynya visited five San Antonio Elementary schools: Bulverde Creek, Herff, Riverside Park, Northern Hills and Raba. MBAW’s interactive and exciting program incorporated TEKS and STEM curriculum-teaching the culture and geography of Russia & Ukraine through music and dance.About 4,000 children learned about rhythm & sound, dance, history, ethnic instruments, traditional clothing and Russian language during the 40 minute program. Each program...

Birds of a Feather

Birds of a Feather

Every January I attend the Chamber Music America Conference in New York. This year the conference was scheduled on the same weekend as Rob’s birthday. I did not feel like leaving Rob all alone and lonely on his special day and invited him to join me in New York. Rob did not feel like going to New York in January and respectfully declined my kind invitation. Being the exemplary wife I am…I offered to go anywhere his heart desired for his birthday. After going back and forth between Las Vegas, Bonaire, Cozumel and other places he decided that he would like to go on a photographic trip to the Bosque National Wild Life Refuge to take pictures...

Changing the World Through Generosity

Changing the World Through Generosity

December is a special time of the year when generosity blooms to its fullest. What makes us so special? Why do we give? Do we give because we care so much about others, or does it just feel good to give? I believe it is a mixture of both. Studies show that giving to others achieves a sense of self-determination and, ultimately, greater happiness. Read Full...

Immigrants contribute to U.S. — and San Antonio

Immigrants contribute to U.S. — and San Antonio

I have been reading lately about the expected 10,000 Syrian refugees, whom President Barack Obama has agreed to resettle in the United States as millions of Syrian women, children and men have fled their war-torn country ever since the uprising began against President Bashar Assad’s government. I am also aware of stories in the media about presidential candidates and governors who aren’t exactly, shall we say, immigrant-friendly. In any case, it’s possible that many Syrians, who have had to uproot their lives in search of safety and asylum, could eventually settle in San Antonio or other Texas cities. As a Russian immigrant to the...

Encuentro de Culturas 2015

Encuentro de Culturas 2015

On March 11, 2015, Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW) traveled to Puerto Rico for Encuentro de Culturas 2015. The idea to create the festival was spearheaded by native Puerto Rican and MBAW Board Member, Dr. Awilda Ramos. About a year ago, Dr. Ramos sat down with Artistic Director, Dr. Anya Grokhovski with a dream of creating a cultural exchange festival with Puerto Rico and together, they made it a reality. Led by Dr. Ramos and Dr. Grokhovski, MBAW’s support team consisted of staff members Executive Assistant Diana Tatu and Vanessa Sanchez along with contractors James Sanders and Clemence Le Saux. Dr. Grokhovski created a spectacular...

“Unfolding Dimensions” by Sandy Whitby & Lauren Browning

“Unfolding Dimensions” by Sandy Whitby & Lauren Browning

Musical Bridges’ Art Gallery hosted its second opening of the 17th season on Friday, February 13th.  The opening celebrated “Unfolding Dimensions,” the first combined exhibit of artists Sandy Whitby and Lauren Browning. A constant flow of over 150 guests moved throughout the gallery-enjoying art, wine, hors d’oeuvres, and live jazz by George and Aaron Prado. Sandy and Lauren’s work attracted many first time visitors to the MBAW gallery; one guest said that it was the best art opening she’s attended in over 20 years. MBAW Board Member Paul Martin was among the first to buy a piece from the opening — he was drawn to...

Kids to Concerts-Espana!

On January 16 & 26-27, 2015 Antonio Granjero and Estefania Ramirez of Entreflamenco Company visited 5 San Antonio Elementary schools: Bob Hope, Hidden Cove, Oak Meadow, Steubing, & Redland Oaks. MBAW’s interactive and exciting program incorporated TEKS and STEM curriculum-teaching the culture and geography of Spain through music. About 2,500 children learned about flamenco, rythm & sound, history, ethnic instruments, and Spanish language during the 40 minute program. Antonio & Estefania brought one of their scholarship students from their non-profit Spanish DanzArt Society as well. The students in the audience were...

Superbowl Sunday at San Fernando

Superbowl Sunday at San Fernando

Over 300 San Antonians gathered together at the San Fernando Cathedral on Superbowl Sunday, February 1, 2015 for “Strauss & Golden Greece” as part of the city-wide Strauss Festival. The New York-based Canellakis-Brown duo, “a pair of adventurous young talents” presented a sonata for cello & piano along with their own Greek-flavored compositions for an enthusiastic crowd.  Attendees included among others, visitors from the Ivory Coast of Africa (pictured below). Click HERE to see a review of the concert from the Rivard...

Musical Bridges’ Artistic Director Returns from NYC for Chamber Music America Conference

Musical Bridges’ Artistic Director Anya Grokhovski returned from New York on January 18, 2015 after attending the Chamber Music America Conference. The purpose of this trip was to find new and exciting talent for Musical Bridges’ future programming and take part in ongoing conversations about the future of chamber music in America. Workshops and artist showcases presented an impressive group of young and seasoned musicians with very diverse programming. Many musical offerings included unexpected instrumentations and were truly high-end chamber ensembles. Among others, Anya met with Japanese and Chinese cultural organizations...

MBAW Hosts Winter Recital

On Saturday, December 13, 2015, Musical Bridges Office/Art Gallery was the site of the International Academy of Music San Antonio’s winter recital, free of charge. The International Academy of Music San Antonio (formerly Crownridge Music Academy) is a music school dedicated to transforming lives and enriching our community through music education. Students of all ages, abilities, and economic circumstances participate in lessons, classes, ensembles, performances and special events. Musical Bridges would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Anya Grokhovski for coordinating the event and for bringing IAM’s winter recital to our gallery!...

Welcome Vanessa Sanchez, New Development & Communications Assistant

Welcome Vanessa Sanchez, New Development & Communications Assistant

Musical Bridges is excited to announce a new addition to its musical family as of January 2015 — Development and Communications Assistant, Vanessa M. Sanchez! Central Texas Pain Center has generously underwritten this position for MBAW. Ms. Sanchez’s role will entail working with the Director of Development and Marketing to research grantmakers, apply for grants, write press releases, manage the social media accounts, among other related tasks. Her love and passion for music led her to volunteer for MBAW, where she met the team and later accepted her current job. Ms. Sanchez is also a freelance Music journalist, recently covering...

“Walk in US, Talk on Japan” Delegation Attends San Fernando Concert

Anya and Suhail from Musical Bridges, our guest artists Alessandro Deljavan from Italy and Pureum Jo from South Korea, had the great honor of meeting the “Walk in US, Talk on Japan” delegation after the San Fernando concert this past Sunday. We were very pleased they took time out of their busy schedule to attend our concert. Delegation members included: Mr. Ken Shimanouchi Former Japanese Ambassador to Spain and Brazil, Mr. Keijiro Hata Lieutenant General (Retired), Japan Air-Defence Force, Ms. Yoko Chivers Vice President, Growth Industry Cluster Dep., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Mr. Yohei Komatsuzaki, Law student and Chair of 66th...

Musical Bridges Transforms San Antonio

From The Rivard Report, 3 November 2014 By:  Rudy Arispe While teaching piano at college and performing as a concert pianist in her native Moscow, Anya Grokhovski still found time to gather at friends’ homes to perform, sing, and celebrate with good food and drink. When she and her first husband arrived in San Antonio in 1991 for teaching positions at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Grokhovski continued that musical tradition with new friends. It was through these small, festive gatherings that the seeds were planted for Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW) after a group of music lovers, mostly physicians, helped raise...

¡Viva Havana! Annual Gala with the Stars Heats up the Red Carpet

¡Viva Havana! Annual Gala with the Stars Heats up the Red Carpet

On September 26th MBAW’s Third Annual Fundraiser & Gala with the Stars Viva Havana! was held downtown at the brand new Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.  Musical Bridges is pleased to report that the gala was a great success, with the goal to raise $150,000 toward Kids to Concerts! Gala Co-Chairs Dr. Eric Miller and Ms. Reema Shroff worked together with the committee to create a truly fabulous fundraiser and gala.  Dr. Miller’s strong leadership combined with Ms. Shroff’s discerning taste and creativity, along with the hard work and expertise of outstanding Gala Committee members and staff; Dr. Eric Miller, Susan...

“Silent World” by Robert Michaelson & Jim Sparkman

“Silent World” by Robert Michaelson & Jim Sparkman

Musical Bridges’ Art Gallery hosted its very first photography opening on Friday, August 29th as a part of the city-wide Fotoseptiembre festival.  The opening celebrated “Silent World,” the first exhibit of underwater photographers Robert Michaelson & Jim Sparkman. The exhibit was featured in many publications including the San Antonio Current as “Editor’s Pick” and the Rivard Report.  A constant flow of over 100 guests moved throughout the gallery; enjoying photography, wine, hors d’oeuvres, and live jazz by George & Aaron Prado. Robert and Jim’s work attracted many underwater...