WILLIAM ARNTZ

William Arntz started his professional career as a research laser physicist, and developed the first wave optics simulator for high energy lasers. This project went on in the 80’s to be called “Star Wars”.

He then moved on to software, writing “AutoSys”–an automated job control system currently in use by most Fortune 500 companies.

He sold that company, retired, but then decided to make a film: creating, producing and directing What the BLEEP Do We Know!?, an exploration of spirituality, quantum physics, neurology and outrageous possibilities.

The film and the companion book, with editions in over twenty languages, were international hits. Another stint of retirement followed, but then he got the wild notion to do a how-to book on Suffering, figuring that people do it all the time so how hard could it be?

BRANDON JENNER

Brandon Jenner’s music feels like a lot of different things—often all at once.

In some ways, it’s like your childhood best friend disclosing an important truth by the glow of a beach bonfire. In other ways, it’s like the moment you stop worrying about what other people think and can laugh and smile anywhere without apology. 

​However, the Los Angeles-born singer, songwriter, and producer describes what his music feels like best.

I try to make it feel like a warm, cozy blanket,” he laughs. “I hope I’m able to be that way in life as well!

Music always gave him this warmth. With a singer-songwriter mom, he went from “being a fly on the wall” in his stepdad’s studio (just Google his stepfather!) to developing his own relationship with music when Ben Harper’s “Forever” got him through his first true breakup.

After a pair of EPs and major syncs as one half of Brandon & Leah, he launched his solo career with the independent Burning Ground EP in 2016. The title track amassed over 26.5 million Spotify streams as he claimed coveted real estate on popular playlists such as Your Favorite Coffeehouse, License to Chill, and more. In between touring with the likes of Rachael Yamagata and Joshua Radin, he unveiled the Face The World EP [2018], Plan On Feelings EP [2019], and So Childish EP [2020]. After a whirlwind of gigs around the world, marriage, and the birth of his twin sons, he personally wrote, recorded, and produced his NETTWERK debut EP, Short of Home, in the middle of the Global Pandemic.

Coupling life changes with a lifetime devoted to music thus far, he opened up like never before.​

I think I’ve gotten better at giving myself the license to be truly vulnerable,” he admits. “It’s about what the songwriter is willing to let the listener in on. I’m not trying to overcompensate for the blessings in my life anymore. I’m writing about the changes in my life. I wanted to go back to what got me to play music in the first place, which is singer-songwriters with songs that make you think and feel deeply. For the first time in a long time, I have a label partner too, and I’m really excited about that.

​He introduces Short of Home with “Something About You.” Faintly plucked acoustic guitar wraps around his intimate delivery as he delivers a love letter to his wife.​

The lyrics just seemed to roll out like a runaway train,” he says. “It was an overwhelming feeling that brought me to tears. I’m so happy and grateful. It captures my first impression of my wife and my love for her.

​In the end, Brandon Jenner’s music really feels like home.

In the past, I just wanted people to respect me as a musician,” he leaves off. “With my last name, it was something I was hung up on. I don’t care so much about that anymore. What I really want is for somebody to feel the emotion I did—to feel better, safer, more inspired, and like the world has meaning. I went through so many challenges and changes and found relief. If you do as well, it’s all worth it.

ELIXIR PIANO TRIO

The Elixir Piano Trio is made up of award-winning and distinguished musicians, Violinist – Samvel Chilingarian, Pianist – Dr. Lucy Nargizyan, and Cellist – Dr. Fang Fang Xu.

Winner of the Most Distinguished Musician award 2005 IBLA International Competition in Italy, The Elixir Piano Trio has appeared in performances in Europe, Mexico and the United States. 

Founded in 2004, the dynamic Elixir Piano Trio performs both traditional and modern repertoire with classical, folk and jazz influences. Known for their unique and exciting interpretations, the Los Angeles based ensemble has dazzled audiences with their energy and sensitivity.

The trio has become instrumental in promoting works by Contemporary composers.

Violinist – Samvel Chilingarian 

Mr. Chilingarian enjoys a varied career as performer, educator and conductor. An avid chamber musician, Mr. Chilingarian has toured extensively throughout Europe, Japan, the United States and Central America with The Melos Ensemble, Vienna Sinfonietta, Orchestra Internazionale d´Italia, Tashen Oper and Ensemble Nine.

Mr. Chilingarian has performed in such prestigious venues as the Musikverein in Vienna, Teatro di San Carlo in Napoli, Teatro Farnese in Parma, Casals Hall in Tokyo, Birmingham Performing Arts Center in England. As a founding member of the Arioso String Quartet, he has toured Austria giving concerts in Vienna, Krems and Salzkammergut.

A native of Armenia, Mr. Chilingarian began his musical studies at age five. After receiving a Bachelor of Music from the California State University at Northridge and a Master of Music from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, Mr. Chilingarian moved to Vienna in 1990 to continue his studies in authentic performance and conducting. While in Vienna, Mr. Chilingarian joined the Pons Artis Chamber Orchestra, the Kammer Oper Orchestra and the Niederosterrichische Tonkunstler Orchestra. While in Austria, Mr. Chilingarian was invited to conduct the Linz Summer Festival Youth Orchestra in 1994.

Since his return to Los Angeles in 1995, Mr. Chilingarian´s focus has been to bring spirited music to young musicians. Mr. Chilingarian is the Artistic Director and conductor of Verdugo Young Musicians Association (VYMA). In 2007, VYMA Youth Orchestra was invited by the Los Angeles Philharmonic to perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of the International Youth Orchestra Festival. Mr. Chilingarian has actively participated with the Los Angeles Philharmonic YOLA initiative as guest speaker and panelist.

Mr. Chilingarian has been featured on the Sundays Live radio broadcast Classical 105.1 K-Mozart as well as on 91.5 KUSC “Spotlight on The Arts”. Mr. Chilingarian serves on the faculty of East Los Angeles College and continues to perform with the Elixir Piano Trio.

Pianist – Lucy Nargizyan

Dr. Nargizyan has been featured as soloist and collaborative pianist throughout the United States, England, Wales, Austria, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Canada, Mexico and Russia. Her performances were broadcast on Russian Radio and Television as well as on Classical KUSC Radio. Dr. Nargizyan has performed as a soloist with the International Chamber Ensemble of Rome, the USC Thornton Chamber Orchestra, El Camino and East Los Angeles College Orchestras, and the Pasadena Community Orchestra. She has been invited several times to perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Chamber Music Series.

Dr. Nargizyan has won numerous competitions, including the Moscow Young Artist Competition, the Los Angeles Liszt Competition, the USC Concerto Competition, and the Peninsula Young Artists International Festival. She was also a finalist in the Mu Phi Epsilon National Competition. Dr. Nargizyan was the recipient of the “Most Distinguished Musician Award” at the 2005 IBLA International Competition in Italy, where she performed with the Elixir Piano Trio.

Elixir Piano Trio performs traditional and modern repertoire in the United States and internationally. The trio has performed many newly written works and recently recorded compositions by local composer Penka Kouneva.

Lucy Nargizyan was raised in Moscow, Russia. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Moscow State Music College, and Masters of Music and a Doctorate degrees in piano performance from the University of Southern California. At USC, she studied with Daniel Pollack, Kevin Fitz-Gerald, and Dennis Thurmond.

Dr. Nargizyan is a dedicated teacher whose students have been prizewinners in many local and state competitions. In addition, her students have transferred to such institutions as USC and Cleveland Institute of Music. Dr. Nargizyan is currently a Professor of Music at East Los Angeles College.

Cellist – Dr. Fang Fang Xu

Dr. Fang Fang Xu earned her Doctoral degree in Cello Performance from the University of Southern California.

She has performed at Schleswig-Holstein International Music Festival in Germany and

Guadalajara Music Festival in Mexico with eminent conductors Christoph Eschenbach and Mstislav Rostropovich.

She has appeared as guest soloist with the Pacific Symphony and USC Thornton Symphony among others, and as an orchestral player she has performed with LA Philharmonic and LA Chamber Orchestra.

She made her Carnegie Hall debut in June of 2010, as solo cellist in the production of Eric Whitacre’s

Paradise Lost. In Spring of 2011, Dr. Xu was again featured in the production at Disney Hall in Los Angeles. She currently maintains a private studio in South Pasadena, and serves as the String Chair of

MTAC Pasadena Branch.

ZACH TOUCHON

Zach Touchon was born in Texas and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue his creative career as a musician, actor, filmmaker, artist, screenwriter, motivational speaker, and author.

Zach truly is a creative soul and lives to do just this. His mission is to bring positive energy into the world through the power of creativity in all forms. Music is Zach’s first passion that began at the early age of eight when he wrote his first song and he has never given up the love affair.

Although Zach has made music in most genres he mainly plays guitar and piano and sings songs about life and love. 

KATERINA TOUCHON

Katerina Touchon is a marketer with over 12 years of experience. Her main passion is helping creative entrepreneurs and artists advance their careers with branding and promotion.

Mrs. Touchon has worked with government and private projects, museums, galleries, and commercial brands such as Schwarzkopf, Calvin Klein, Phillips, BMW, and many others.

In 2020 she launched an online-program “FRWART”, teaching artists how to promote themselves. Katerina worked with artists from a dozen different countries. Today she is expanding the program to include all creative entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

I love helping creatives make positive changes in their businesses and careers.

Katerina Touchon