Dear wonderful Salome! What an absolute thrill to be able to wish you a Happy 100th and to reflect on great memories from 40 years ago, when we first met. You were always bursting with enthusiasm, ideas, joy and generosity -- eager for others to feel those things, as well. You would charge up the hall greeting everyone by name, rushing off to the next thing - but always time for a radiant smile and a friendly wave. You always offered invaluable perspective to every conversation - and great heart to every moment. You and your beloved Jimmy always found a way to "show up" for students, for friends, for celebrations and remembrances. I am deeply grateful to have shared time together those years - and deeply grateful to be counted among your friends and fans. Happy Birthday, dearest Salome. I am sending beams of love your way!! xx Jake Heggie

Jake Heggie

Dearest Salome, We wish you a Joyous Happy Birthday. We treasure our precious friendship along with our most joyous gifts in life. We count our blessings including you. Thank you for being such an inspiration that makes our lives filled with love and happiness.

Charlene and Sandy Kornblum

Dear Alan, Please congratulate your truly amazing mom on her milestone birthday. She and your dad opened up their home to Hillel at UCLA many years ago for the presentation of a piano concert by Ory Shihor, the director of the Colburn School of Music. Your parents were beyond generous and gracious. I also presented a photo exhibit at Hillel of your dad's black and white photographs of famous musicians. Your parents were an extraordinary couple who contributed so much to our art and culture. With warm regards, Perla.

Perla Karney

Dear, dear Salome, who I have admired, respected, and loved for over 70 years… your kindness, your musicianship and devotion to your students, your love of family, your caring and sensitivity to others and to the world around you, have been and will always continue to be an inspiration. With affection and love, Janet Goodman Guggenheim

Janet Goodman Guggenheim

My Dearest Mrs. Arkatov, Thank you for accepting me as one of your students while I didn’t speak a word of English. But it didn’t take long for me to learn that you have a soft heart. When I got scolded for not practicing, dropping few tears would do the trick; you called me “Honey” again. Having said that, it didn’t stop you from sending me away to another piano instructor for disciplinary action. For over 60 years; we kept in touch. Your continuous support and encouragement for my life direction means a lot to me. You are the best teacher and mentor anyone can asked for. Have a fabulous 100th Birthday. Love you forever. Eileen

Eileen Xie

Having lessons at the house was always a sanctuary of art and music and sometimes I would sit outside in the back and enjoy the peacefulness of nature - all in all a wonderful experience! I am a residential architect and I believe that experience has fed into the way I express myself in architecture as well. So - thank you Salomé!

Harriet Chu

Sending all my love!! Happy birthday my dear SALOME from your JOY in the Philippines!! Love you

Joy Ausmolo

Happy 100th Birthday to Salome Arkatov from The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Inaugural Dean, Eileen Strempel On this grand occasion of your 100th birthday, we salute you, and hope your special day is one of orchestrated and choreographed joy from start to end. Congratulations!

Eileen L. Strempel

After hearing such wonderful history about your mother in academia with Dr. Stevenson, when I met her it couldnt be further from the truth. A wonderful inspiring women. Many more years of health and happiness. Happy birthday!!

Eric & Johaira Michelle DiLauro

Happy 100th birthday Salome Arkatov. May your 100th birthday bring you all the joy, hope and love you have always given away so freely. Thank you for helping me discover my gift and working with me to develop it. Because of your dedication and encouragement, I am able to share my love of music with many churchase in Rochester, New York.

Grace Wang

Dear Salome, Rosina Lhevinne brought us together all those years ago when we talked about doing a film on her life - and our love of music kept us together. I am so glad to be part of a celebration for your 100th, and look forward to an in-person visit again when the time is right. I treasure the inscribed copies you gave me of your Jimmy's books, and just as much the little blue pot you made for me. With love, Tom

Tom Backer

Happy 100 th Birthday, Dear Salome!!! 47 years ago, you took me on as a piano student overlooking the fact that I had a broken right arm. You said, ”…best thing that ever happened to you,” and we launched into pieces written for LH alone. Your acceptance of the little that was there in my piano playing, combined with your intensely positive energy and expert imparting of musical concepts and specifically pianistic skills helped me survive years of insecurity and gave me tools to continue. As a piano teacher in my own right for the last 40+ years, I feel deeply grateful to you for my profession and for helping me access and fulfill my love of music and the teaching process itself. I value our friendship ever since. Celebrating YOU with much love, Salome!!! xoGill

Gillian Smith

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a most wonderful neighbor, We shall always remember the flowers in the bottles… CONGRATULATIONS! We love you,

Zaffa and Moshe Rubistein

My dearest Salome. I was thrilled with the news that you have turned a very impressive 100! And so was my daughter Eve!! We are sending you a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARD in the form of a song which we hope you will enjoy. Please look out for it. Love and a big hug from us both!

Joan and Eve Cominos

Salome Dear, Happy 100th Birthday to an amazing Lady! Thank you for the warm welcome to your family and for all the love and caring throughout the years. You make our world better by always caring for those around you. I was gifted with the opportunity to get to know you at a young age and to have you as my role model. Sending lots of love and happy wishes to you on this truly special day.

Zizi Movaghar

Salome: Noemi and I wish you ‘bis 120, ‘hundert und swanzig’ which gives all of us another 20 years to have you in our life. We have such a music history together, with Mme. Rosina Lhevinne. It has brought us a mutual understanding of what great music should sound like and how we impart it to the next generation. We both send our love to you and hope to come by and see you in person when that is possible.

Danny and Noemi Pollack

Dear Salome: How could I ever forget that you liked my paintings long ago when, in somebody’s house in Malibu, I dared to do my very first home presentation about creativity, laying the pantings on the floor? Then, friendship sealed, Hal and I would not miss attending any of the Chamber Music concerts in your Westwood home. You celebrated and saved all the Christmas Letters I use to send to friends - amazed me showing me a package of them, and claimed to like my writing. Nobody had ever said that to me before you did. All of this to acknowledge that my painting and my writing owes much to you and your heart-felt celebratory responses. And then, when I attended your 50th Wedding celebration at the UCLA Faculty Club, you made sure that Sandi Steinberg and I would sit at the same table. Sandi and I stayed way past the guests left and our friendship was a blessing. It sadly ended recently when Sandi, an extraordinary writer/actress/producer left this world, anticipating Salome and myself. Now her son Russel, pianist and composer carries her flame forward. Would not miss any of his concerts/lectures. The most recent consists of weekly lectures about Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas that he plays and examines. They are as remarkable as her mother’s writings and my opportunity to mourn the fact that I did not become a composer but ended up a painter. Luckily, the struggles in sustaining love are similar. We have to all celebrate life while we are fortunate enough to sustain it. But today it is the amazing Salomé Arkatov’s turn to still be shinning between us. We all can shine along with her if we are able but her shine has been remarkable and will endure, while ours will fade away as it must.

Desy Safan-Gerard

Dearest Salome, I have an indelible memory of the first time that I saw you. It was at a home in Beverly Hills honoring Rosinna Lhevine. Michael Tilson Thomas was there as well. You were introducing Rosinna with such love and eloquent words and then you burst into tears. I instantly loved you and we have been dear friends since. You have so many talents in addition to your musical artistry. Your ceramics amaze me and I have a few that I treasure. Do you remember the time that you sent me home with your camellias and you placed them in a handmade bowl? It is one of my Salome treasures. And your love story with Jim is another memory that we all treasure. The many times and meals in your incredible home, a home that reflects your artistry. I love to simply wander around the rooms as if I am in a museum. And it all reflects your taste and artistry. The film that both Paul and myself watched grow and develop into a great tribute to your teacher. You have been and continue to be an inspiration. And we both love you dearly.

Mary Ann and Paul Cummins

Dearest Salome — When I first met you many years ago in Schoenberg Hall, and we were suddenly colleagues, I thought you were one of the most intriguing and fascinating people I had ever met. When we would meet at the basement elevator (this happened so often!) you always took the time to find out how I was doing before you would permit a word about yourself. And then you would make some discerning remark about something going on in the Department, followed by expressions of genuine concern about a particular student with whom you were working. And then there you were at student concerts when we were among the only faculty to show up! As I had learned long before you arrived, this level of concern and empathy was, shall we say, quite lacking in much of that building. So you served not only as a wonderful teacher but as glue who helped maintain that crucial sense of collegiality and humanity where it was so sorely needed. I cannot tell you how much I not only appreciated your general approach to life, but it helped sustain me at many times when you were not even dimly aware. And then when the splendid Lhevinne documentary came out, I realized you had a whole different life about which I had been only dimly aware! And surely one of my fondest memories of the last seven years was having you as my concert date, and so enjoying sharing together all of our insights about what went on in that crazy building as we drove back and forth on the 10 Freeway. This was one of the few times that I did not mind the traffic! You will of course say that there is nothing you did to reach this memorable day. Nothing could be further from the truth! The natural light of warmth and friendship and grace that followed you everywhere that you have gone is the same light that has brought you to today. You continue to be an inspiration to so many who treasure and love you. With huge admiration and love,

Robert Winter

Dear Salome, You are a joy and an inspiration! From the moment we moved into our house over thirty years ago and were greeted by your kindness and bundle of flowers to today - you light up Charing Cross Road like a beautiful shining star. You’re one of a kind in the best possible way. We love you.

Kathleen, Chip, Alex, and Olivia Rosenbloom

Dearest Salome, We celebrate you and your beautiful, creative, and generous spirit! You are such a gift to all who have been touched by the sweetness and love you have shared with so many. You make this world a better place. You are truly a unique and wondrous woman! Thank you for being so present with my family and especially with my mom Lucy, she loved you so much as everyone does who is lucky to have known you. I am grateful and send so much love to you on your very special day.

Eda Maxym

Dearest Salomé, I want to send my best wishes for such a special birthday. You are one of the most talented, sensitive, and loving people that I have ever known. Ever since we first met, it was clear that your amazing gifts and concern for others set you apart in the most life-affirming way. I wish you the Happiest of Birthday with many Happy Returns. Much Love,

Warren Spaeth

Congratulations Salome. What a wonderful achievement to reach 100 years. I wish you everything you wish for yourself.

Janice Lazarof

Dear Salome, Warmest wishes on this incredible milestone, your 100th birthday! It is an absolute honor to extend my heartfelt love and congratulations to you on this special day. Your life has undoubtedly been a tapestry of wisdom, love, and grace, and it’s truly inspiring to celebrate a century filled with joy and cherished memories. Your kindness has left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know you, and I am especially grateful to have you as a part of my life. Your friendship with my mother has been a source of comfort and joy, and your warmth has always brightened our days. As you reflect on a century of experiences, may you find joy in the beautiful moments, strength in the challenges overcome, and an abundance of love that surrounds you. Your resilience, generosity, and gentle spirit have touched the lives of many, creating a legacy that will endure through the generations. On this momentous occasion, I want to express my deep gratitude for the positive impact you’ve had on my life and the lives of so many others. May your birthday be filled with love, laughter, and the company of those who hold you dear. Here’s to the remarkable journey behind you and the countless beautiful moments that lie ahead. Happy 100th birthday, Mrs. Arkatov! Wishing you a day as extraordinary and beautiful as you are. Sending lots of love your way,

Brian Cohen

Happy 100th Birthday Aunt Salome! Donna and I are wishing you the happiest of days! You have been a light, love, and a blessing to all you have befriended through the years. We are so honored to be a part of your family! Have a wonderful day. Love,

Jerry and Donna Kartzinel

My dearest Salome, Wishing you a happy 100th year!! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Your kindness and amazing fervor of LIfe is truly TOUCHING!. You make people feel special and loved. Thank you for touching our lives. Sending you lots of love. HAPPY Birthday! Love you,

Anavi Ynayan

Dearest Salome, Congratulations on a life not only long but filled with enthusiasm, energy, and exuberance! My gratitude to you is very deep and I am sure my ability to have had a joyful and successful musical career is a result of experiencing countless hours of your influence and mentoring. The art and music filling your home enriched my soul and taught me to appreciate and embrace the beauty of our world. My father thought you were the wisest of all women and many of your shared thoughts on art, love, and work have accompanied me throughout my own journey. I still try to play deeply in the keys of life! Thank you for your sharing and caring.

Linda Horowitz

Dear Salome, I am so pleased to be at your 100th birthday celebration. Thank you for the years of smiles and gifts to the staff of the UCLA Music Library. You were always a welcome presence. And the ceramic vases are still in use there! Thank you for your friendship and warmth to me. Happy Birthday. Love & Hugs,

Marsha Berman

Happy Birthday, Salome! We're delighted to be a part of this moment to celebrate such a remarkable life!

Claudia Wiedeman and Kori Street

Happy birthday to a wonderful lady. Dear Salome. Judy and I wish to hug you even only by zoom. We know of your many attributes and talents: your art, music, gardening, film production and wife to a great guy, are a great mother and friend. We have enjoyed every moment we have spent together. All of our love,

Les and Judy Eber

Dear Great Aunt Salome, Happy 100th birthday! What an incredible milestone! You are an inspiration to us all, and we are so grateful for the impact you’ve had on our lives. We hope your day is filled with joy, laughter, and happiness! With love, The Graves family

Johnny, Catherine, Alexander, & Caitlyn

Dear Salome – Congratulations on your centenary –- an extraordinary milestone. During the past twelve plus years, I want to thank you for the wonderful journey we took in preserving the Joseph and Rosina Lhevinne memorabilia collection. Your years of dedication as their “keeper of the flame” through numerous film interviews with their students and colleagues, as well as producing a remarkable documentary film on their lives, will most definitely assure the Lhevinne legacy. Bravo to all your endeavors. I wish you the very best for 2024,

Lance Bowling

Sending a full heart of love and gratitude to Salome for a lifetime of friendship since my student days at UCLA. Thank you, Salome, for being a model of warmth, stylish chic, timeless elegance, and shrewd musical discernment. I love you.

Gloria Cheng

My dearest Salome, I am so honored to be able to congratulate you on 100 years of a life well lived! Little did I know when I called the first name on the list of piano teachers from UCLA, that I would meet the exquisite woman who would become not only my teacher, but mentor, second mom, cheerleader, matchmaker, and beloved friend for over 50 years. Your boundless energy, extraordinary creativity, your zest for life, your kindness and compassion are truly inspirational, and have provided a compass for me so often. I treasure so many moments with you, but I especially remember meeting Madame Lhevinne and working with you on your award-winning documentary of her life. But most importantly, you have been my heart friend, and I am so grateful to walk this earth together with you. I love you eternally, my beautiful Salome. Marshall and I wish you a Happy 100th Birthday!!

Lisa Raskind

Salome!! We cheer you 100 times over for your brilliance and spark! We’re ever grateful for the inspiration and care you've given our whole family. Much much love and health to you! The Walther’s

Gail, Jürg, May, Alice and Edgar

Salome, Happy Birthday!! We wish you good health and joy! You are a remarkable woman. Congratulations on your 100th Birthday!! (Val is grandson of Willem Dehe) Love,

Val and Jan Sakovich