IAN MAKSIN: Back in Chicago! at Art of Gallery – Chicago, IL
IAN MAKSIN: Back in Chicago! at Art of Gallery – Chicago, IL
Saturday, June 27, 2026, 7:30PM
Art of Gallery, 747 S Western Ave, Chicago
Limited time and availability tickets only $25 (includes complimentary reception!
Join world-acclaimed one-man orchestra, cellist, composer, and multilingual vocalist Ian Maksin for a unique performance and complimentary meet-and-greet reception in the intimate, creative atmosphere of one of Chicago’s newest premier art spaces, Art of Gallery.
Maksin will perform original instrumental music as well as songs from his collection of more than 300 songs in 43 languages including Polish, Ukrainian, French, Italian, Armenian, Farsi, Greek, Turkish and more!
BREAKING BOUNDARIES both musical and geographical, cellist, composer and multilingual vocalist IAN MAKSIN has created his own unique style by blending elements of different genres and traditional music from around the globe in a new way using his cello as the main unifying force.
ONE-MAN ORCHESTRA:In addition to cello, he used an electronic device called the loop pedal, which allows him to create “loops” or layers by recording and replaying his own playing in real time.
SINGING IN 43 LANGUAGES: What began as a hobby and a passion for linguistics and travel has become part of a unique concert experience. At this time Ian Maksin sings in 43 languages including Ukrainian, Russian, English, Farsi, Armenian, French, Italian, Arabic, Hebrew, Mongolian, Bambara (one of the tongues spoken in West Africa) and many other exotic languages. Most of this repertoire was amassed by Maksin during his world travels, jam sessions and collaborations with local musicians. Many of his original songs and instrumental compositions are also infused with flavors of ethnic music from countries and regions where he drew inspiration from: Mongolia, West Africa, Middle East, the Balkans, Andalusian flamenco.
THE GLOBAL MUSICIAN: Ian Maksin was born in the former USSR into a multinational family and grew up absorbing many cultures and traditions from an early age. He began playing guitar and piano at age 3 and cello at age 6 at the School for Gifted Children in Leningrad and then came to the USA at 16 to continue studies at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. After working for many years in the classical genre including a three-year tenure with the New World Symphony in Miami Ian has decided to look for his own musical path. His diverse musical experience, including playing rock and blues guitar and passion for jazz and world music has allowed him to take the cello to a new dimension and develop his own distinct style as a musician and composer. In Ian’s own words: “At some point I realized that music is much more than mere entertainment. Music is one of the most powerful and unifying forces in the world, capable of healing, inspiring, bringing people together and bringing peace among them. I believe that cello will save the world”
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