Argentinian violinist Sami Merdinian has received worldwide recognition for his outstanding performances as a soloist and chamber musician. Sami has appeared with the Montevideo Philharmonic, the Argentinian National Symphony, The Charlemagne Orchestre, The Gagneung Philharmonic in South Korea, Buenos Aires Philharmonic, Duluth, the Rochester Philharmonic, and the Richmond Symphony. 

Sami is a member of award-winning string quintet Sybarite5, performing recently at Carnegie Hall, the Library of Congress, Lincoln Center, and touring throughout United States, Canada, Asia and South America. Sybarite5’s latest album “Collective Wisdom” debuted at #1 in the Billboard Classical Music chart. 

Highly sought-after as tango violinist, Mr. Merdinian has performed and recorded with some of the most prominent artists of the genre and has received a Grammy Nomination for "Masters of the Bandoneon" for Best Tango Album. Mr. Merdinian’s discography includes recordings for Universal Records, Canary Classics, CAG Records, Bright Shiny Things and Green Parrot Records.

Mr. Merdinian has been a prize winner in several international competitions including a Gold Medal in the XII International Young Solo Instrumentalists Competition in Argentina, and the New Talent Competition in Slovakia. He has also received the Rising Star Award by Tiffany & Co., was named Outstanding Artist of the Year by the Argentinian Press, and has been featured on WQXR in New York, “Spiegenzall” live from the Concertgebouw, Argentinian Classical National Station, America’s NPR, South Korean’s KBS and the BBC.

Mr. Merdinian is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the New Docta Festival in Argentina. He has led masterclasses around the USA, South America and Asia and given lectures about music and entrepreneurship in universities such as Penn State, Curtis Institute, New England Conservatory and The New School.  In addition, Mr. Merdinian is also the producer and co-host of Down the Pit Podcast. @samimerdinian

Cidalia Kettles is a mezzo-soprano balancing performance alongside her work as a Connecticut-certified music educator. These two important aspects of her career have kept her open to a multitude of musical influences and interests.

Applying the classical training she received at Westminster Choir College and Western Connecticut State University, she has performed operas and operettas including Carmen (Carmen), Street Scene (Anna Maurrant), and Dialogues of the Carmelites (Mme de Croissy), among many others. Musical theatre credits include Matron ‘Mama’ Morton (CHICAGO), Bloody Mary (South Pacific), and Into the Woods (The Witch). Additionally, Cidalia has enjoyed touring as part of the professional choir for the likes of Josh Groban and Sarah Brightman.

In her education career, Cidalia has worked with every grade and level from pre-Kindergarten to High School acapella groups. Her work with children and young adults has opened up fresh musical insights and inspiration as she focuses on developing the musicianship and skills applicable to any genre the students want to pursue.

Sacred music holds a special place for Cidalia, and she is a section leader here at United Congregational Church of Bridgeport, and a regular cantor at St. Pius X of Fairfield, CT where she also directs the children’s choir.

Cidalia’s life would not be complete without her amazing husband Robert and their two beautiful daughters.