Photography: Liz Garza Williams
Q: What is Musical Bridges Around the World?
A: We are a homegrown, San Antonio-based organization which produces main stage concerts at McAllister Auditorium, Musica Viva performances at members’ homes, free concerts at San Fernando Cathedral and a Kids to Concerts series where guest artists travel to underprivileged schools to play live music for at-risk youth ... all in all, we produce 25 concerts a year.
Q: There are so many arts and music organizations in our great city. What makes Musical Bridges unique?
A: Let me just give you an example: This season’s opener began with Pushkin’s opera, “Mozart & Salieri,” and ended with a classical dance medley from “Songs of India.” We are a nonprofit organization that truly embodies world music. Each concert is a uniquely textured experience where elements from different cultures and musical styles are organized into one-of-a-kind multicultural programs where you might hear Israeli folk music paired with jazz and a bagpipe in the mix. We bring music directly to the people in many forms, including dance.
Q: Fascinating! But what motivated you to create such an organization? Aren’t you a classically trained pianist?
A: Yes, actually, I grew up in a family of strings – my father played violin for the Moscow Philharmonic, my mother taught violin and my younger brother is a world-class violinist – so you see, they needed an accompanist. They sat me down at the piano when I was 5.
Q: And then ... ?
A: In 1989, I arrived in the U.S. with a suitcase, husband and 6-year-old son. In ’91, I came to San Antonio with my first husband, who taught piano at UTSA; I worked as a staff accompanist. Musical Bridges is an organization borne out of what musicians do when they gather in one another’s homes: play music! With my classical training, the creative energy of the local community and a dedicated board of directors, we evolve as San Antonio becomes more and more cosmopolitan. We began with purely classical and chamber music, and over the years, have continued to learn about other cultures – especially from other immigrants like myself – and integrated an array of musical styles into our productions.
Q: You said, “first husband” ...
A: Yes, I met my new husband on Match.com! The Internet is wonderful. Musical Bridges has a great website with archived footage of past performances, and now we have a Facebook page and are planning a big promotion when we hit 1,000 “likes,” so go “like” us!
Q: With so many nonprofits and arts/music organizations struggling to survive, what does the future hold?
A: I’m very optimistic! This is our 14th season, and we experience consistent growth every year. This is a testament to our supporters: the city’s office of cultural affairs, our donors, ticket holders and fans. It speaks to our diversity as an organization, our community partners and the variety of musical and performance art we offer ... quite literally, we have something for everyone: jazz enthusiasts, dancers, lovers of classical and folk music – the list just goes on ...
Q: This is a big year for you personally: You’re turning 50! How are you celebrating?
A: I have a solo program, video series, and I’ve started a blog! I’m inspired by all the support and really excited about our current and upcoming 15th season, when we will launch an international music competition for children from all over the world to be held in San Antonio, and winners will debut at Carnegie Hall. We have lots of surprises, so stay tuned, and bring the kids free to all concerts!
Anya Grokhovski is the founder and artistic director of Musical Bridges Around the World. She completed her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate in music in Moscow, Russia, and she has a degree in the art of interior design. She currently lives in the Hill Country with her husband, Robert Michaelson, a retired Air Force colonel and practicing physician, and their two dogs. Her son, Arseni, is a lawyer at Tesoro.
For more information on Musical Bridges Around the World, visit www.musicalbridges.org.
