Monthly Music Highlights

Please consult your CareMerge calendars and weekly announcements for specific dates and times. All programming subject to change based on COVID-related recommendations to maintain health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.

HENRIK KARAPETYAN July 14

Born in Armenia, Henrik started playing the violin at the age of six, enrolling in music classes at Spendiarian Special Music School. In 2000, as a member of the “Serenade” Chamber Orchestra Henrik traveled to perform across Europe. In 2002, Henrik came to the United States to pursue his graduate degree at Wayne State University’s Music Department. While at Wayne, he led the orchestra as its concertmaster and was featured as a soloist on many occasions. In 2007, Mr Karapetyan received a full scholarship and teaching appointment to attend doctoral studies at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance.

YUTA SUGANO July 29

Hailed as “poetic and colorful,” pianist Yuta Sugano is rapidly gaining international recognition and he has appeared as a soloist in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Spain, and the U.S. Yuta began his piano studies at the age of five, and by age twelve he made his concerto debut performing with the Kansai Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra in Japan. He has since been a recipient of numerous prizes and scholarships including Meiko Miyazawa Award, Yamaha President’s Award (Japan), Nodar Gabunia Award, Glenn E. LeClair Graduate Piano Award (USA), and Zodiac Music Academy’s Chamber Musician Award (France). Yuta is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, B.M., University of Michigan, M.M., and the University of Kansas, DMA. He is a native of Kyoto, Japan. Yuta currently teaches at Steinway Arts Academy, and is an Artist in Residence at Steinway Piano Gallery of Detroit.

BILLY McALLISTER September 8

I grew up in Michigan and have been singing and playing piano since I was 8 years old. At the age of 20 I began a 15-year career as a singer and piano player in bands, then 10 years as a one-man band before spending 20+ years in a sing along/comedy concept called dueling pianos. That led me to playing in piano bars aboard Holland and Carnival Cruise Lines. Finally, in January of 2017 I began performing my Sinatra Tribute Show “Frankie and the Crooners” in Michigan and have now expanded to Florida for the winter months. Besides senior living facilities I sing in various city Chamber concert series, festivals, restaurants and in 55+ gated communities. I truly love this show, and I know "I've got the World on a String”!9