A salon is a gathering in a private home where creative artists of various sorts come together to perform and share their art in the presence of kindred spirits. The salon was a common occurrence in 18th and 19th century Europe, attended by the likes of Chopin, Sand, Liszt and Viardot; it has continued to be a venue for creative souls to present their work in the presence of those who can fully appreciate it and offer support, encouragement and inspiration.

I believe that creative expression and energy drive human evolution. Creativity in all its forms must be honored and nurtured—and, as anyone in the arts knows, this is often not the case. We need a place to hone our craft, stimulate our creative juices, feel the camaraderie of other creative souls and, quite simply, to enjoy making music with abandon. That is the purpose of this salon.

The Music Salon provides an audience of fellow artists who are committed to accessing our deepest creative selves without judgment or egocentric motives, and to seeing how far we can go into pure creativity. Musicians and other artists need a place to perform for others who understand their trials, challenges, quirks, blessings and exhilaration as creative artists. This salon is a place for us to have a committed, understanding audience of peers and to receive their contribution in the form of active listening, encouragement (lots of encouragement!), inspiration and networking—in short, a creative laboratory for musicians. We can try out new things in performance, stretch beyond our perceived limitations and improvise without fear.

The primary focus of this monthly salon is classical music of all periods, but folk, Broadway, jazz and Latin acoustic music of any genre (e.g., bolero, flamenco) are always welcome, as well. In addition, poets are welcome and encouraged to read their work. We also have a large monitor on which digital artwork can be shown during the Salon and invite visual artists of all media to share their creativity with us.

In particular, this salon is for those who are committed to a type of performing that speaks to people and reaches them, rather than to meeting the expectations of standard classical or commercial performance, both in repertoire and performance practice, and also to generating creative work from a deep place in the soul, rather than from that of conforming to expected standards. This does not mean that standard classical repertoire is not welcome—quite the contrary—but that we approach it and hear it from a different place.

Each salon consists of approximately two hours of music, poetry and art, followed by refreshments and time for conversation. I carefully orchestrate an environment which provides the maximum safety in order to sustain an environment that is the most conducive to creativity and freedom for the artists. I provide the accompanist, the food and the space; you provide the intention to access your deepest creativity and to offer your listening and support of others. There is no charge.

The space has a Korg 88-key digital keyboard, a Roland KC-60 keyboard amp, a flute, a flute stand and three music stands. I have a digital recorder with which I would be happy to record your performance, if you wish, and send you the mp3/wma file by email afterwards. The Salon meets on the Upper West Side of Manhattan: click here for address/map/directions.

Attendance at The Music Salon is by invitation only. It is not open to the public or to spectators in order to maintain a safe and comfortable space for the creative artists. If you are interested in joining us, you are warmly invited to let me know by emailing me.

Please note: This is a FRAGRANCE-FREE event so that attendees who have allergies and asthma can be comfortable.

The image is "St. Cecilia and the Angel" by Carlo Saraceni (Italian Baroque).

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© Copyright Elena Greco 2009