Visiting Guest Artists

Misha Vayman, violin
Michael Siess, violin
Juan-Salvador Carrasco, cello
Nathan Ben-Yehuda, piano/keyboard

Astral Mixtape fuses classical virtuosity with electronics to create music that is personal, captivating, and boldly original. With an unconventional lineup of two violins, cello, and keyboards/electronics, the group reimagines chamber music for the 21st century, blurring the boundaries between composer, arranger, and performer. Drawing from the exuberance of pop, the improvisational spirit of jazz, and the adventurous edge of contemporary music, they craft a sound unmistakably their own.

Winners of the 2023 Astral Artists National Auditions and the 2024 Beverly Hills National Auditions, Astral Mixtape brings their genre-defying performances to stages across North America. Recent engagements include Banff Centre’s Martha Greenham Theater (AB), the Eagles Theatre (IN), Greystone Mansion (CA), Hugh’s Room (ON), World Cafe Live (PA), Hotel Café (CA), The 1905 (OR), and Rockwood Music Hall (NYC). They have served as resident artists at festivals such as the Meadowlark Music Festival, Caroga Lake Music Festival, Benefic Chamber Music Camp, and the Vancouver Music & Arts Festival, where they appeared alongside artists including Time for Three and VSO USA.

Their creative output extends far beyond the concert hall. Astral Mixtape has composed and recorded original scores for several acclaimed short films featured at international festivals including Cannes and BAFTA. Collaborations with filmmakers, visual artists, and electronic producers have led to the creation of multimedia works such as music videos, animations, and remixes. Their 2021 visual album, Astral Plains, created in partnership with the Santa Monica College Film Department and supported by the Banff Centre, reflects their collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach.

In April 2025, they released their second album, Biolumy, which embodies their expansive sound world: a vibrant fusion of orchestral color, electronic energy, and jazz-inflected lyricism.

Dedicated to inspiring the next generation, Astral Mixtape leads residencies and workshops at institutions such as the University of Southern California, Idyllwild Arts Academy, and public schools nationwide, where they invite students to explore collaboration, creativity, and artistic authenticity. Individually, members have trained at leading conservatories including Juilliard, Colburn, the Royal Academy of Music, and USC.

Astral Mixtape operates under fiscal sponsorship from the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

For more information, visit astralmixtape.com.