“Ali, who founded the Traction Avenue Chamber Orchestra in the Spring of 2006, is a multi-talented musician-entertainer/composer/conductor. He established the orchestra to give local Los Angeles-area musicians a chance to perform with other musicians in the chamber setting and to give talented young composers the opportunity to have their work interpreted and performed in front of an audience.
“…The orchestra has also become known for attracting younger, new audiences to classical music…”
- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
“As people who create, we recognize the need to admire the contributions of others, an offering of appreciation that in turn inspires us.
“Ali Helnwein’s beautifully haunting music never fails to inspire me.”
- Kat von D
“I sometimes find it hard to describe such powerful artists without comparing them losely to the greats that came before them – sometimes this is the only way to help people understand how groundbreaking they truly are.
“Ali Helnwein is nothing short of the thunderous innovations not unlike a Johann Bach meets a Tom Waits – or a switchblade slice across a lovers lips. Romantic, tragic, and painfully beautiful.”
- Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue)
“…In this time of mediocrity and musical ignorance, Ali stands out from the crowd of his peers as one who has genuine talent, ability and understanding of music…
“His work speaks volumes in regards to his abilities and his desire to help others: the concerts and projects he has organized have brought new life and a fresh outlook to the musical culture in Los Angeles…”
- Mario Feninger (pianist/composer)
“[regarding the String Quartet in E minor] …I really love this. It is awesome. It really touches me. You have great scores within you. Right from the Divine within you through your heart.
“…Deep emotional tones comeo ut of your music – soft colors of sound with an edge of rawness.
“It is an experience, it takes me out of my limitations and I soar in the realm of Angels and non-materiality, yet it still works on this earth, in this age and this hour.
“The feeling is immense and it oozes out. Love, Stevie”
- Stephen John Kalinich (poet/lyricist – lyricist and collaborator with the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson)
