Muse Salon, founded and directed by pianist Ora Itkin, seeks to recreate the historical events, rooted in European tradition, where musicians, artists, writers, and philosophers met, performed music, and discussed ideas of the day.

We pay homage to this cultural tradition without being confined by it. In our efforts to adapt a salon to the present day, we bring an audience into the process, keeping in mind our goal of creative symbiosis between host, guest artist/presenter, musicians, and audience.

Each event is singular and fluid, allowing space for spontaneous dialogue. We choose a theme, idea, or phenomenon and create a multidimensional, sometimes paradoxical, perspective through auditory, visual and oral representations. A salon combines the intimacy and liveliness of a social gathering with the structured program of a concert.

Acknowledging that taste is an important part of an aesthetic experience, themes are paired with appropriate food or beverages. A salon provokes its audience to move from a role of passive listening towards active participation.