About Artists
Ana Gelovani, Soprano
Georgian-American classical vocalist, Ana Gelovani, 16, showed an interest in performing from a young age. However, that passion was nearly stifled when at age 13, she was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. After her tumor miraculously began to shrink, Ms. Gelovani decided to dedicate her life to helping those diagnosed with brain cancer. She created the Ana Gelovani Foundation, which raises funds for children worldwide battling cancer.
This season, Ms. Gelovani anticipates her Carnegie Hall debut in a benefit concert presented by the Ana Gelovani Foundation in Weill Recital Hall. Ms.Gelovani will also appear in performance at the Manhattan Borough Arts Festival in NYC’s historic Apollo Theater as part of the National Children’s Chorus Vocals Finale and MBAF Festival Chorus.
Past opera and operetta performances include solo performances of ‘Se tu m’ami’ (Parisotti) and ‘Vieni, vieni o mio diletto’ (Vivaldi) with Maestro Merab Ebralidze at the National Opera Center as part of Make Way for a New Generation showcase. She has also appeared in Music of the Season at the Eurasia Festival in partnership with New York New Church Presents as well as various concerts at PS 206.
Also passionate about acting and music theater, Ms. Gelovani has been seen portraying the role of Cosette in Les Miserables with A Class Act NY and the title role in Annie off-Broadway as part of Broadway & Beyond. She has been a featured performer at PESVBI Georgian Cultural Center, St Mark's School, and Sandos Children's Theater.
Ms. Gelovani is the recipient of numerous awards, most notably the Outstanding Talent Award given to her by the City Council of the City of New York. She won 1st place in several competitions including the International Festival-Contest “Golden Dream, Las Vegas”, Pearl of New York International Festival of the Arts, George Gershwin International Music Competition, and took home the Grand Prix in National Opera Center’s Youth Voice Competition.
She has participated in vocal masterclasses with renowned singers and teachers Vasil Kholkidashvili, Irene Ratiani, Karen Nimereala, Martina Arroyo, Kristina Mkhitaryan, and Anita Raschvilishvili. She received formal acting training from Tower Talent, A Class Act NY, Actors Technique NY TV & Film School, and Casting Hub. She has studied under the tutelage of Jessica Rofe, artistic & casting director, and Halle Moser, Broadway Actor.
Ms. Gelovani is interested in exploring many facets of a performance career, including acting in television and film, modeling, dancing, and singing. Outside of performing, she is also involved in competitive tennis and loves to ice skate. She is an alumna of PS 206 Middle School and is currently a student at the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, where she studies Choral Music and the Performing Arts under Jeanne Casicio.
Sam DeCaptio, Cello
A graduate of the C.V. Starr Doctoral Program at The Juilliard School, cellist Samuel DeCaprio has established himself as one of today's most creative artists and collaborators. A recipient of one of Juilliard’s 2023 Norman Benzaquen Career Advancement Grants, he has won numerous prizes including the Arlington, Eastern Connecticut Symphony, National Federation of Music Clubs, Oneppo Chamber Music, William C. Byrd, and Windham Arts Council Young Artist competitions. Additionally, Dr. DeCaprio was the winner of the 2018 Aldo Parisot Award at the Yale School of Music and the Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music.
Performance highlights include his New York debut presenting the North American premiere of Grażyna Bacewicz’s Cello Concerto No. 2 with the Juilliard Orchestra and conductor David Robertson in Alice Tully Hall, as well as solo and chamber performances in major cities across the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. His festival appearances include Ravinia, IMS Prussia Cove Open Chamber Music, Les Rencontres Musicales de Noyers-sur-Serein, Domaine Forget, Kneisel Hall, Lake George, and Orford, among others. In 2022, Dr. DeCaprio founded the Arazzo Music Festival, an annual music festival that offers free musical and educational events to local communities in his home state of Connecticut.
Dr. DeCaprio holds degrees from the University of Connecticut (Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude), Eastman School of Music (Master of Music), Mannes School of Music (Professional Studies Diploma), Yale School of Music (Master of Musical Arts), and The Juilliard School (Doctor of Musical Arts). His previous teachers include Joel Krosnick, Aldo Parisot, Marcy Rosen, Steven Doane, Katie Schlaikjer, Peter Wiley, and Kangho Lee. At Juilliard, Dr. DeCaprio is a Teaching Assistant to Joel Krosnick.
Aza Sydykov, Piano
Renowned for his remarkable artistry and commanding stage presence, Aza Sydykov has received global acclaim from critics for his precision, technical brilliance, power, and clarity in his performances. In addition to his virtuosic piano playing, Sydykov also had a significant impact as a vocal coach, conductor, accompanist, and advocate for the arts and community.
An alumnus of Moscow's esteemed Tchaikovsky Conservatory and New York's New School University, Sydykov's contributions extend far beyond his musical accomplishments.
Notably, he serves as the Director of Music, Education, and Cultural Affairs at the historic Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York, and President of the Kyrgyz American Foundation, roles in which he actively spearheads various international cultural and educational initiatives and exchanges. Furthermore, in North Carolina, Sydykov co-founded and holds the position of Artistic Director at the Wilmington Music Festival.
Born into a family deeply rooted in music in the former Soviet Republic of Kyrgyzstan, Sydykov's formative years in Moscow were shaped under the tutelage of the renowned Russian piano legend, Nikolai Arnoldovich Petrov.
His professional debut as a piano soloist occurred at the tender age of 17, gracing the stage of Moscow's esteemed International House of Music alongside the National Philharmonic of Russia. Since then, Sydykov has captivated audiences across the globe, delivering awe-inspiring performances in Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Turkey, Finland, Ukraine, China, and the United States, including notable appearances at Carnegie Hall and other prestigious concert venues throughout the nation.
Sydykov's exceptional talent has been acknowledged with numerous accolades, including the First Prize and Grand Prize at Italy's Euterpe International Piano and Chamber Music Competition. He has been honored as a Fellow of esteemed foundations such as the Vladimir Spivakov International Charity Foundation, the New Names Foundation, and the Nikolai Petrov International Philanthropic Foundation.
In 2011, Sydykov relocated to the United States, embarking on further musical studies at The New School University’s Mannes School of Music under the guidance of Professor Pavlina Dokovska. His exceptional abilities were recognized with the prestigious New School University's Presidential Scholarship and the Schoenberg Piano Stipend, supporting his pursuit of a Master of Music degree and a Professional Studies Diploma.
Currently residing in New York City, Sydykov passionately imparts his knowledge and expertise through his artistic leadership at the Madison Avenue Baptist Church and teaching at his private piano and vocal studio.
Alongside his musical endeavors, he treasures his marriage to acclaimed American soprano Nikoleta Rallis Sydykov, and the couple has a daughter together.
Aza Sydykov's multifaceted career and unwavering dedication to music have solidified his status as a true Renaissance artist, fostering international harmony and cultural exchange.
Nune Melik, Violin
“A violinist who has proven the theory of self-actualization” (The Strings Magazine), Dr. Nuné Melik is an emerging artist on the international stage who believes that music has no limitations. The only Armenian female violinist to have Carnegie Hall’s Stern debut with a symphony orchestra,
Nune is equally comfortable playing with Jimmy Buffett and for wounded soldiers in hospitals. Born in Siberia to a family of medical PhDs, at the age of 19, she immigrated by herself to Canada. In 2009, she became the youngest person to be accepted to a Master’s Degree at the University of Montreal.
She performed at the United Nations Headquarters, Lincoln Center, and Walt Disney Hall and gave a few dozen performances all over the world.
Nune is a winner of more than 18 awards. A North American Representative of the Arno Babadjanian Foundation, she defended the first comprehensive dissertation about the composer at McGill University.
She graduated from there with a Doctorate Degree in 2019. Following her passion for research, Nune will be publishing the first biography about Babadjanian in English.
Dr. Melik speaks 6 languages, lives in the Upper East Side, and enjoys a busy life as a performing artist and educator.
Samina Aslam, Soprano
Pakistani-American soprano Samina Aslam has been praised for her "velvet tone that can build to a powerful clarion". Samina recently debuted with Portland Opera, reprising the role of Mukhtar Mai in Thumbprint. She previously debuted the role with the Chautauqua Opera company, as well as Constance Fletcher in The Mother of Us All.
In previous seasons, Ms. Aslam debuted as Nedda in Pagliacci and the title role in Holst’s rarely-performed one-act opera Sāvitri with New Camerata Opera. She joined Opera NEO in 2017 to debut the fiery title character in Gluck's masterpiece Armide and cover Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte. An exceptionally versatile artist, Ms. Aslam completed a two-year residency with Ars Musica, where she was featured as the soprano soloist in a variety of works including Handel's Messiah, Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Bach’s B Minor Mass, and Poulenc’s Stabat Mater. Ms. Aslam performed as a young artist with Opera North, and with European programs including the Kashu-do Opera Studios, CCM Spoleto, and the Franco-American Vocal Academy.
Samina studied as a Resident Artist at the Boston University Opera Institute, where her repertoire included the title role of Cendrillon, Zina in Dark Sisters, Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, and Micaëla in La tragédie de Carmen. While in Boston, she also performed with the Boston Lyric Opera, Masterworks Chorale, and Opera del West.
Samina completed her graduate studies at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she performed with Cincinnati Opera, and received her Bachelor's in Music from Louisiana State University.
Samina was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and has lived in seven different states across the United States. She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Frederick Schlick, Tenor
Frederick Schlick praised for his “tender power” (Opera Wire) is a New York City-based performer. The 2022 season kicked off with Light Opera of New Jersey’s production of La bohème with Frederick singing Rodolfo!
He joined Nashville Opera as a resident artist in 2021 to sing Borsa/Duca(cover) in Rigoletto, and to perform in outreach events. He concluded the 2021 season as Percy in Donizetti’s Anna Bolena with Dell’Arte Festival in NYC.
The 2018-2019 season marked Frederick’s NYC debut, joining City Lyric Opera as Nemorino in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. He returned to CLO in 2019 to sing Don José in La Tragédie de Carmen. The season ended with Frederick singing Alfred in Die Fledermaus in Berks Opera’s partner performance with OPUS ONE of Reading, Pennsylvania. Frederick made his professional debut as Young Jim Thompson in Tom Cipullo’s Glory Denied with Pensacola Opera in the fall of 2016. He reprised the same role in Glory Denied with Tri-Cities Opera in the 2017 season.
Frederick hails from Reading, Pennsylvania, and holds a Master of Music in Opera Performance from The Boston Conservatory, and received his BA in Music from Dickinson College. He currently lives in Astoria, NY, and teaches private music lessons in the Greenwich, CT area.
Pavel Suliandziga, Tenor
Pavel Suliandziga Jr. is an indigenous Udege tenor, an alumnus of the renowned Gnesin Russian Academy of Music in Moscow, Russia, and Mannes College of Music in New York, NY.
Mr. Suliandziga has garnered numerous awards in voice competitions, including first place in the 2014 AADGT international competition in New York, third prize in the Talents of the World International Competition, and finalist positions in the prestigious Lucia-Albanese International Competition and Giulio Gari International Competition.
Among his various operatic performances, Pavel has showcased his talent in roles like Lensky (Eugene Onegin), Tamino (The Magic Flute), Ferrando (Cosi Fan Tutte), Nemorino (L’elisir D’amore), Count Almaviva (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Anatol (Vanessa), Tybalt (Romeo and Juliet), Remendado (Carmen), Beppe (Pagliacci), Gastone (La Traviata), and Peter Quint (The Turn of The Screw).roles
Pavel Suliandziga has graced renowned performance venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall (New York, USA), The Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory (Moscow, Russia), Fisher Center (Bard College, USA), Kravis Center (West Palm Beach, Florida), Tulsa Art Center (Tulsa, Oklahoma), Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Opera Theater (Moscow, Russia), The Primorsky Stage of Mariinsky Theater (Vladivostok, Russia), Be'er Sheva Performing Arts Center (Be'er Sheva, Israel), and Jerusalem Theater (Jerusalem, Israel).
Pavel Suliandziga Jr. is an indigenous Udege tenor alumnus of the world-famous Gnesin Russian Academy of Music (Moscow, Russia) and Mannes College of Music (New York, NY).
Mr. Suliandziga is the recipient of many awards in voice competitions. He was the first-place winner in 2014 with AADGT international competition in New York; third-prize winner in the Talents of the World International Competition; and Finalist in the renowned Lucia-Albanese International Competition and Giulio Gari International competition.
Pavel Jr. has participated in many operas as core roles, such as Lensky (Eugene Onegin), Tamino (The Magic Flute), Ferrando (Cosi Fan Tutte), Nemorino (L’elisir D’amore), Count Almaviva (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Anatol (Vanessa), Tybalt (Romeo et Juliette), Remendado (Carmen), Beppe (Pagliacci), Gastone (La Traviata), Peter Quint (The Turn of The Screw).
Pavel Suliandziga has performed on worldwide known Performance stages: Carnegie Hall (New York, USA), The Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory (Moscow, Russia), Fisher Center (Bard College, USA), Kravis Center (West Palm Beach, Florida), Tulsa Art Center (Tulsa, Oklahoma), Stanislavsky and Nemerovich-Danchenko opera theater (Moscow, Russia), The Primorsky Stage of Mariinsky Theater (Vladivostok, Russia), Be’er Sheva Performing Arts Center (Be’er Sheva, Israel), Jerusalem Theater (Jerusalem, Israel).
Merab Ebralidze, Piano
Merab Ebralidze, a renowned Georgian-American concert pianist, teacher, and accompanist, was born in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. His impressive journey in the world of music includes:
In the early 1990s, Merab embarked on his musical path, earning a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from Tbilisi's Z. Paliashvili 2nd Music College (1990-1994).
His dedication to excellence led him to the V. Sarajishvili State Conservatory in Tbilisi, where he obtained a Master of Arts degree with Honors (1994-1999).
Continuing his educational pursuit, he achieved a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A) from the Graduate School of V. Sarajishvili State Conservatory (1999-2002).
Merab Ebralidze's musical talents have garnered recognition on the international stage, with notable achievements such as the 4th prize at the Fifth International Competition Grand Concerteum in Marko-Puloni, Greece (1999) and the 2nd prize at the American Protege International Concerto Competition in New York (2007).
In 2006, he extended his passion for music to education, actively teaching at the Piano Department of Tbilisi's Z. Paliashvli 2nd Music College. His performances graced the most prestigious halls in Georgia, including the Big and Small Hall of Tbilisi State Conservatory, the J. Kakhidze Tbilisi Music Cultural Center, and the State Philharmonic Concert Hall, among many others.
A pivotal moment in his career unfolded in 2001 when he performed Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor alongside the legendary Georgian conductor Jansug Kakhidze. The desire for artistic exploration led Merab to New York in 2006, where he continued his active and creative musical journey. During 2007-2010, he shared his expertise as a piano teacher at the New York Conservatory of Music, gracing prestigious New York venues such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Dimenna Center, Scandinavian House, Opera America Performance Center, and Baruch Art of Center, among others.
Merab Ebralidze's influence extends to the realm of international competitions, where he served as a jury member for various events, including the G. Gershwin International Competition in New York (2015 and 2017), the Pearl International Music Competition (2018), the Alert Flamman Veriatis International Competition in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico (2021), and the role of Chairman of the Jury for the S. Davitashvili Republican Competition in Telavi, Georgia (2021).
His successful performances have transcended borders, with notable appearances in Canada, Germany, Italy, and other countries. In 2018, Merab Ebralidze founded the organization "Make Way For The New Generation," dedicated to discovering and nurturing young Georgian musicians. His passion for classical music projects led to their participation in both the U.S. and Georgia.
Between 2000 and 2006, Merab Ebralidze actively taught private students in his studio. His dedication resulted in their multiple victories in national and international piano competitions. These talented students also had the honor of performing in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Baruch Art of Center, Dimenna Center, Opera America Performance Center, Scandinavian House, and many others.
His remarkable contributions to the world of music were acknowledged with special awards in 2019, including recognition from STVR (Georgian in the U.S.A.) and Georgian Brend. Their accolades celebrated his significant role in the development of Georgian culture in the U.S.A.
Merab Ebralidze's journey continues with an invitation to Tbilisi V. Sarajishvili State Conservatory in June 2023, where he will impart his wisdom during Master Classes for students of the piano faculty. In July of the same year, he and his talented students will be participating in the Arte Piano International Music Festival and Master Classes in Castelnuovo, Italy, where they will share their musical prowess through a class concert.
Looking ahead, December 16, 2023, will mark his participation in a recital at the Royal Overseas League in London, U.K. A significant milestone was achieved in 2021 when Merab Ebralidze proudly became a citizen of the United States, solidifying his enduring connection to the country that has been the stage for his remarkable contributions to classical music.
Luciano Pantano, Piano
Luciano Pantano, a 16-year-old native of New York City, is currently a senior at Staten Island Tech HS. Since 2015, he has been an integral member of the country's oldest men's choir at "The Church of The Transfiguration" in NYC, where he has not only performed solo but also embarked on international tours to St. Albans Cathedral in England in 2018 and various Churches in Barbados in 2019.
Luciano's musical journey took a significant turn in 2018 when he began his studies at the Piano Studio of Maestro Merab Ebralidze at the tender age of 12. His dedication and talent have led to his recognition as a laureate in both national and international competitions. In 2022, he achieved the 3rd Prize (Bronze Medal) at the YPCNJ Concerto Competition, along with a Special Prize for Best Bach Performance. Additionally, he secured the 2nd Prize at the American Protege International Competition.
As a result of his remarkable achievements, Luciano has had the privilege of performing in renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and the Opera America Performance Center, among others. In July 2023, he was invited to the "Arte Piano" International Piano Music Festival in Castelnuovo di Farfa, Italy, where he excelled in concerts, and masterclasses, and contributed to the concert of Maestro Merab Ebralidze's student class.
Luciano is presently diligently preparing for upcoming projects, competitions, and festivals in the coming year, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the world of music.
Nino Chanadiri, Piano
Nino Chanadiri is a 17-year-old pianist hailing from Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. She began her artistic journey in 2012 at Sulkhan Tsintsadze's Art School N16 and later secured a spot at the prestigious Tbilisi Z. Paliashvili Special Music School for Gifted and Talented Students in 2019.
Throughout her time in Georgia, Nino distinguished herself as a laureate in numerous international and Republican competitions. In 2022, she embarked on a new chapter in New York, where she has been studying at the Piano Studio of Maestro Merab Ebralidze for the past year, achieving laureate status in two international competitions.
In 2023, Nino claimed the 2nd Prize in the American Protege International Concerto Competition, a remarkable achievement that will see her grace the stage at Carnegie Hall during the Laureate's Gala concert and award ceremony on December 23. She also secured a 2nd Prize (cash award) at the LIZMA International Music Competition organized by the Long Island Conservatory.
Nino's dedication and talent continue to shine as she diligently prepares for upcoming projects, competitions, and festivals in the coming year.
Tara Kavtaradze, Piano
Tara Kavtaradze, a 17-year-old New York native, is a remarkable pianist currently pursuing her education at Sachem High School North. Her musical journey began at the age of 7 under the tutelage of Maestro Merab Ebralidze at the Piano Studio.
Tara's exceptional talent has earned her the title of a prize winner in multiple international and national competitions, including notable achievements such as winning the YPCNJ Concerto competition "La petit orchestra" in 2015/2016, where she performed piano concertos by Berkovich and Polunin with the Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
In 2018, she clinched 3rd Prize at the American Protege International Competition and, in 2020, secured 2nd Prize at the American Protege International Competition, as well as 1st Prize at the Stars at Tenerife International online music festival competition.
Over the past decade, Tara has graced renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Opera America Performance Center, Lincoln Center, Barich Art of Center, and more. Her talents even took her abroad when she was invited to the International Festival of Pianists in Castellionovo, Italy, for master classes and successful concerts, where she also participated in Maestro Merab Ebralidze's student class concert.
With unwavering commitment, Tara is diligently preparing for the important projects, competitions, and festivals that lie ahead in the coming year.