The Greenwich Arts Academy occupies a beautiful loft one block from the former State Cinema in the Springdale neighborhood of Stamford. It’s here that 20-year-old Athena Artemis (daughter of the Academy’s owners Michael and Mary Hienzsch) and 17-year-old Evan Varriano, are redefining what it means to be a virtuoso in the 21st century. These two are already turning heads across the music industry.
In a world often dominated by quick fame and fleeting trends, Athena and Evan represent something deeper: the power of discipline, creativity, and genuine passion. Both homeschooled, it gave them more than just time, it gave them perspective. Unconstrained by school bells and standardized tests, they had years to hone not just technical skills, but emotional depth. “I was homeschooled, so I had a lot of time to consume every kind of music that I could,” says Athena. “Music is my language. It connects me to the people I love. Music also can express so many feelings that are hard to say out loud. Whether I’m listening to a symphony, a rock album, or a musical, it always takes me on a journey to a new place.”
Homeschooling allowed Evan’s parents to tailor education around his strengths – Shakespearian literature and music. Evan beats to his own drum, and to see him at the piano is extraordinary. “Evan can hear a song once and sit down at the piano and play it like he’s practiced it for months,” says his mother, Sharon. “He plays with an intensity and purpose.”
Athena grew up listening to the music of Billy Joel, Don McLean and Simon and Garfunkel. She credits her father as being her biggest musical influence. “He’s the most talented pianist and composer I know. He taught me how to improvise on piano and how to write my own music.”
On the other hand, Evan’s music influencers are the likes of Beethoven, Mozart, Bach and Chopin. “I would contend that the musical output of those three is greater than that of every other composer in all of history combined, and therefore I saw it prudent to take exceptional and unique influence from them.”
Spending time with Athena and Evan at the Greenwich Arts Academy was fascinating. They took turns at the piano playing both familiar songs and their own compositions. Athena also has a beautiful, melodic voice, which she demonstrated for me. Her goal is to write a musical, and she is currently working on her first one. “It’s the most daunting project I’ve ever attempted. Once I got over the initial hurdle of coming up with the story, it became easier. I also want to continue studying choral conducting and hopefully someday I’ll conduct an orchestra!”
Evan is writing an opera. He describes it as “wholly unique and in a fashion that has never yet been done.” Evan has one year of academics left before he contemplates college (he will be applying to the likes of Juilliard). His goals include studying music, along with writing prose and plays that he intends to have published and performed. He feels that much of his work transcribes itself well to cinema and he may be interested in pursuing a career as a director, producer, actor, or music composer.
Both Athena and Evan credit the Greenwich Arts Academy with providing a unique environment to learn and hone their skills. Evan feels that the Academy is unique in that it is a symbiosis of the finest elements of musical education. The teachers demonstrate a strength of character and generosity of spirit which far exceeds that of most academic institutions. “The breadth of tutelage is wide ranging to such an extent that it encompasses the near entirety of musical output and thought, beams Evan.
Athena feels that what makes the Academy special is that it prioritizes joy and creativity, while also supplying incredible resources. “The atmosphere is so communal, like we’re all on one giant team learning together and encouraging each other. I’m so proud of what my parents have built!”
“Music is my language. It always takes me on a journey to a new place.”