Chelsea Music Fest: Sanctuary in the City (2017+)
Chelsea Music Festival Founders and Co-Chairs: Melinda Lee Masur, Ken-David Masur
The Genesis of a Partnership
Over nearly a decade, our collaboration with Chelsea Music Festival has grown into a sustained creative partnership rooted in shared values: innovation, intimacy, and a deep respect for tradition.
Drawn to the Festival’s commitment to presenting classical music in unconventional and accessible formats, we began documenting its early programs through the lens of Ryan Muir, whose background in concert photography spans genres and disciplines. What started as a single commission has evolved into an ongoing dialogue—where our role in shaping the Festival’s visual identity has become as essential as capturing its performances.
Capturing the Essence of Classical traditions.
Technology-forward presentation of timeless pieces of art.
2020 and Beyond
Genesis House
After the pandemic lockdowns.of events across the country, Chelsea Music Festival returned to New York City with a renewed emphasis on applying technology to bring Classical Music to life. With our visual expertise, the festival was able to document the innovative collaboration with new Multimedia space on Manhattan’s west side: Genesis House which brought classical performance into conversation with emerging projection visual technology.
Set within a richly designed multimedia environment, the project combined live chamber music and culinary artistry with spatial media, real-time projection, and responsive lighting. Rather than treating tradition and technology as opposites, the work explored how they could inform and elevate one another—creating a hybrid format that felt both rooted and experimental, intimate and expansive.
A Visual Symphony
Over the years, Muir’s photography has become synonymous with the Chelsea Classical Music Festival. His images are not just snapshots but are considered a visual symphony that complements the auditory experience. They have been featured in promotional materials, programs, and online platforms, helping to elevate the festival's profile and reach a broader audience.
Beyond the Concert Hall
Muir’s involvement with the festival extends beyond capturing live performances. He has documented behind-the-scenes moments, rehearsals, and interactions between artists, providing a comprehensive narrative of the festival’s ecosystem. This behind-the-scenes access has allowed audiences to connect with the festival on a more personal level, seeing the dedication and hard work that goes into each performance.
The Chelsea Music Festival at the St. Paul's German Lutheran Church. June 2017.
Festival Opening Night— The Joy Of Keeping Time / Beethoven’s Groove— Late Night Jazz With Helen Sung / Beethoven All Night
Family Event at the St. Paul’s German Lutheran Church. June 2017.
The Impact of Collaboration
The partnership between Experienced Visuals and the Chelsea Classical Music Festival is a testament to the power of collaboration. It demonstrates how visual art and music can complement and enhance each other, creating a richer cultural experience. Muir’s photographs have not only documented the festival’s journey but have also played a significant role in shaping its identity.
As the festival looks to the future, with plans to expand its programming and reach new audiences, Muir’s photography will undoubtedly continue to be a vital part of its story. This collaboration is a shining example of how artists from different disciplines can come together to create something truly special, enriching the cultural landscape of Chelsea and beyond.
Bach 333 performed at Chelsea Music Festival 2018 at German Lutheran Church of St. Paul. @ Ryan Muir
CODA
The ongoing partnership between Experienced Visuals and Chelsea Music Festival reflects a thoughtful integration of visual and musical expression. It speaks to the role of imagery in shaping how classical performance is experienced and remembered—and to the value of ongoing partnerships in the local New York Cultural landscape. As we continue to evolve, this shared work remains a testament to the value of loyalty and long-term collaboration.
