Violinbaby Music students will perform solo works to showcase their progress

Formed in 2012, Plaza String Quartet is a Los Angeles based string quartet, formed by enthusiastic and versatile conservatory trained musicians. PSQ frequently performs with various choirs and orchestras across the Southern California area and are also specialized with weddings, anniversaries or all special occasions/events.  Other than the traditional string quartet repertoire, PSQ also performs Pop, Jazz, movie sound tracks etc and can arrange any music upon request.

Our students and teachers will be performing works by Dmitri Shostakovich, J. S Bach, Max Bruch, etc. Student performers age from 5-16.

A native of Bulgaria, Moni Simeonov began playing the violin at age 5, and ten years later, came to the United States on a full scholarship to the Idyllwild Arts Academy. He performs with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and Opera, Ensemble San Francisco, and until recently, was the Concertmaster for the Sacramento Philharmonic. He has also served as a guest concertmaster with Reno Philharmonic, Louisiana Philharmonic and the Pacific Symphony. His doctoral studies included minor fields in Viola Performance, Schenkerian Analysis, Japanese Language, as well as an emphasis on the interpretation of the Balkan folk music.

On tour and in Los Angeles, Mr. Simeonov dedicates considerable time and energy to community engagement work and to musical activities and presentations for young people. Moni has performed and coached alongside Midori for her Orchestra Residencies Program American and International tours. Until 2014, he served as a director for the program. Outreach activities have taken him to places as diverse as homeless shelters in Peru and at-risk centers in Tennessee, to Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon, and hospitals for the terminally ill in Sri Lanka.

Moni’s summer teaching includes engagements with the Interlochen Summer Festival, the Singapore Violin Festival, and the Atlantic Music Festival. Moni is also the founder of Bulgaria’s first chamber music academy – “Quartet Intensive” in Sofia.

Moni has concertized and taught around the United States, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His recordings have been archived by PBS, NPR, KUSC, Bulgarian National Radio and TV, as well as Japanese Broadcasting Company – NHK.

Moni received his BM and PC from the Eastman School of Music under Zvi Zeitlin, his MM and AD from Yale University with Ani Kavafian, and his GC and DMA from USC’s Thornton School of Music where he studied with Midori.

Moni served as Adjunct Instructor at USC’s Thornton School of Music until 2014. That year, he was appointed Director of String Studies and Violin Professor with the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. Moni is also the creator of zenviolin.com.

Lucy & Lydia began their friendship and collaboration in 2017 when Lydia first accompanied Lucy’s students in their annual recital. Their students have also collaborated in recitals with each other.

With Lucy being the Director of Orange County Youth Symphony String Ensemble and String Coach for various schools and organizations, and Lydia, a Music Teacher at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. The two enjoy playing and sharing their music whenever possible.

The two have played together in venues such as The Creative Living Academy, Stan’s Music Parlor and Music at Noon Concert Series at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. They also brought live music to youth organizations and retirement communities around the SGV area.