Ukrainian Violinist’s Pandemic Project in Altadena Draws Stars, Including Tony and Grammy Winners

A Ukrainian violinist who performed over 65 free concerts from her Altadena driveway during the pandemic has transformed her grassroots initiative into a thriving nonprofit institution, with her organization’s third annual holiday concert now attracting Broadway and opera luminaries.

“At Melodia Mariposa, our vision to make world-class music accessible to everyone keeps growing,” says Founder and Music Director Irina Voloshina. “We invite top musicians from Los Angeles to enrich our community, which is why we call our orchestra an ‘all-stars’ ensemble, performing in up-close and intimate settings.”

The upcoming holiday concert, scheduled for December 19 at the Altadena Town & Country Club, will feature three-time Tony Award nominee Larry Blank and two-time Emmy Award winner Suzanna Guzmán, who was also named 2023 Hispanic Opera Legend by Los Angeles Opera.

The lineup — which may described legitimately as star-studded   — includes David Washburn, Principal Trumpet of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra; Roberto Cani, Concertmaster of Los Angeles Opera; Evgeny Tonkha; Charlie Tyler; Grammy Award winner Abe Gumroyan; Paul Viapiano; and four-time Emmy Award recipient William Ross.

In just two years as a nonprofit, Melodia Mariposa has presented nine concerts in 2024, including seven free performances.

“As a nonprofit, we are 2 years old and in 2024, we already presented nine concerts, including seven free performances. We’ve also launched outreach concerts at senior and memory care facilities,” says Voloshina.

The organization performs at venues including Davies Hall at Farnsworth Park, Westminster Presbyterian Church on North Lake Avenue, and has expanded its reach through outreach concerts at MonteCedro, Villa Gardens, and the Cancer Support Community in Sierra Madre.

A recipient of the Congressional Leadership Awards: Hometown Heroes of the Pandemic in 2021, Voloshina studied at the Odessa Music School and State Conservatory and has performed in over 600 film scores, working with renowned composers including John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner, and Hans Zimmer.

The organization’s programming throughout the year has included Baroque concerts featuring period instruments, Viennese music performed by Los Angeles Opera musicians, collaborations with local artists, classical masterworks, programs incorporating dance elements, and support for young artists through their Rising Star Program.

“One of my dreams has always been to have our own chamber orchestra in Altadena, and seeing it perform during the holiday concerts brings me so much joy,” says Voloshina.

The December 19 program includes selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Strauss’s Pizzicato Polka, and holiday favorites. The evening begins with a pre-concert reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by the performance at 7:00 p.m. and concluding with a champagne toast.

Future plans include a special presentation of Peter and the Wolf at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. Notably, the organization has become a catalyst for artistic collaborations, as exemplified by Larry Blank and Suzanna Guzmán meeting for the first time at Melodia Mariposa’s second holiday concert in 2023.

Tickets are priced at $65 for general admission and $20 for students, with Melodia Mariposa members receiving a 20% discount.

For more information, visit melodiamariposa.org/holiday-concert-2024 or email TheMelodiaMariposa@gmail.com.