Salomé Chamber Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2009 by conductor and pianist, Raffi Armenian. The ensemble is based in New York City and is known for its innovative and dynamic performances that blend classical music with other genres such as jazz, world music, and pop. Raffi Armenian, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and raised in New York City, has had a distinguished career as a conductor and pianist. He has conducted orchestras all over the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also worked with many renowned soloists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Joshua Bell. Armenian founded Salomé Chamber Orchestra with the goal of creating a new kind of classical music ensemble that would be more accessible and engaging to audiences. He wanted to break down the barriers between classical music and other genres and create a more inclusive and diverse musical experience. The ensemble's name, Salomé, comes from the biblical story of Salomé, who danced for King Herod and asked for the head of John the Baptist as a reward. The story has been interpreted in many different ways over the years, but Armenian sees it as a symbol of the power of music to move and inspire people. Salomé Chamber Orchestra is made up of a core group of musicians who are all highly skilled and versatile performers. The ensemble includes violinists Christina Bouey, Siwoo Kim, and Tessa Lark, violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, cellist Mihai Marica, and bassist Sam Suggs. The ensemble also collaborates with a wide range of guest artists, including jazz musicians, world music performers, and pop singers. One of the highlights of Salomé Chamber Orchestra's career was their performance at the 2012 TED conference in Long Beach, California. The ensemble performed a program that included works by Bach, Mozart, and Armenian himself, as well as a jazz-inspired arrangement of Gershwin's "Summertime." The performance was widely praised for its energy, creativity, and virtuosity, and helped to bring the ensemble to a wider audience. Salomé Chamber Orchestra has also performed at many other prestigious venues and events, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Aspen Music Festival. They have collaborated with a wide range of artists, including jazz pianist Aaron Diehl, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, and the Silk Road Ensemble. In addition to their live performances, Salomé Chamber Orchestra has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "Salomé," was released in 2013 and features works by Bach, Mozart, and Armenian. The album was praised for its innovative arrangements and virtuosic performances. The ensemble has also released several other albums, including "Cityscapes," which features works inspired by New York City, and "Echoes of Silk," which explores the connections between classical music and traditional music from the Silk Road region. Salomé Chamber Orchestra has received many awards and accolades for their innovative and dynamic performances. In 2014, they were awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who have the potential for major careers in classical music. They have also been praised by critics and audiences alike for their innovative programming and virtuosic performances.

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