On July 26, Hephzibah House NYC welcomed a sold-out gathering of 40 guests for the summer salon event hosted by EastWest Collective—formerly known as EastWest Artistry NYC. This intimate Classical Music Salon blended rich tradition, culinary artistry, and a vibrant diversity of voices into one elegant evening of cultural connection.
A Gathering of Diversity and Elegance
Starting at 6:30 PM, guests from varied social standings—creatives, educators, entrepreneurs, and music lovers—arrived to experience an atmosphere where East met West and sophistication met community. The result was a warm, inclusive space filled with engaging conversation and genuine connection.
Culinary Highlights
The evening’s culinary offerings were a standout, featuring a Texas-style BBQ feast by Bronx chef Mirza Shabbir @h.bbq_nyc, whose lamb and steak delighted guests with smoky, bold flavors. The handcrafted cake by @theday_57 added a delicate, artistic finish, while floral arrangements donated by Grace Aesthetic Flower &Arts provided each guest with a rose keepsake to remember the night.
Artists & Music: Intimate, World-Class, Heartfelt
Lena Wu, soprano & founder of EastWest Collective. A highlight of the night was soprano Lena Wu’s radiant and deeply expressive performance of Bernstein’s “Glitter and Be Gay.” With credits including Carnegie Hall and the renowned Salmagundi Club, Wu shines on stage—and behind the scenes. Beyond performing, she managed nearly every detail of the evening: preparing appetizers, greeting guests, directing helpers, and even washing dishes in her gown after the event. “Next time we’ll be more prepared—I know we need to work harder on funding,” she reflected, embodying tireless dedication and pride in creating a memorable experience.
LeYao Chen, cellist. Returning by popular demand, cellist Leyao Chen first impressed audiences during EastWest’s April Talent Showcase. Her rich tone and lyrical command, showcased in works like J.S. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1, earned praise as “deeply moving” from The Manhattan Herald. Her performance was a highlight of the evening, captivating all in attendance.
Alla Milchtein, piano. Accompanying the ensemble with elegant sensitivity, chamber pianist Alla Milchtein supported every vocal and instrumental nuance with clarity and warmth.
Johansson Arias Duo, guitar. The Johansson Arias Duo, renowned for their synergy and technical finesse, performed repertoire by Mauro Giuliani and Johann Kaspar Mertz with both elegance and emotional depth.
Ryan Allais & Alonso Jordan Lopez, tenors. Guest tenors Ryan Allais and Alonso Jordan Lopez brought complementary vocal colors—Allais with refined dramatic flair and Lopez with lyrical nuance and commanding presence—adding richness to the program.
Prima Social: Performance Into Connection
Following the 45-minute concert, guests transitioned to the Prima Social—a relaxed setting for conversation and new friendships. Music, food, and floral gifts created the perfect backdrop for this vibrant cultural exchange.
Continuing the Tradition with a New Name
EastWest Collective, previously featured in OperaWire as EastWest ArtistryNYC, continues to reimagine salon experiences by blending nostalgia with modern inclusivity. This event demonstrated their ongoing commitment to creating intimate, culturally rich, and deeply human gatherings that celebrate both artistry and community.
