CLEVELAND, Ohio – When it comes to classical music, Northeast Ohio punches far above its weight.
Cleveland may not have the population or flash of a major metropolis, but it’s got more orchestral, chamber, vocal, and early music than plenty of cities twice its size. For proof, look no further than this very story, a listing of local concerts slated across the region now through May.
One would have to be a special kind of hard-hearted not to be impressed by the variety and sheer volume of what’s on offer here: Apollo’s Fire, Cleveland’s Baroque orchestra, and their early-music colleagues, Les Delices; the Cleveland Pops Orchestra; Quire Cleveland and the Cleveland Chamber Choir; the Cleveland Chamber Music Society; Cleveland Opera Theater; some of the best finest and most active schools in the country. The list almost literally goes on and on. And this is only what’s known now.
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Much, much more is certain to emerge as the season progresses, as plans for winter and spring solidify. Music isn’t Cleveland’s only great blessing. It also has an unusual audience.
One important reason we have so much music is also we have an uncommonly high number of people who know and love it, who crave that magical interaction between composer, performer, and listener. And yet, at the same time, we don’t have enough. When it comes to classical music, there’s always room – no, a need – for one more. This season, let that one be you.
2021-22 CLASSICAL MUSIC CALENDAR
Akron Symphony: Music director Christopher Wilkins has done it again, piecing together a creative season that balances familiar classics with an inventive array of the new and unfamiliar. Its new year kicks off Sept. 24 with an untraditional “American Fanfare” featuring works by Florence Price, George Walker, and Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate. The season continues with “Pastoral Symphony” (Oct. 15); “Ellington’s Nutcracker and the Ballad of the Brown King” (Nov. 12); “Serenade for Strings” (Jan. 14); “Global Circus” (Feb. 25); “Mahler’s Third” (April 15); and the Brahms Requiem (May 13). Information at akronsymphony.org, 330-535-8131.
Apollo’s Fire: Just because this season – their 31st – isn’t a notable anniversary doesn’t mean Cleveland’s Baroque orchestra and music director Jeannette Sorrell don’t have exciting plans up their sleeves. The subscription season in Northeast Ohio gets off to a grand start with Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 (Oct. 8-15) and continues with “Storms and Tempests” (Nov. 10-13); Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 16-11); “Muse of Fire” (Feb. 2-5); “Exile: Music of the Jewish and African Diasporas” (March 8-10); and “A Return to Bach’s Coffeehouse” (May 11-14). Many programs have both live and remote ticket options. Information at apollosfire.org, 216-320-0012.
Arts Renaissance Tremont: Concerts by the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and cellist Khari Joyner launched the 31st season of this popular concert series directed by the acclaimed Cavani String Quartet. The free concerts at St. Wendelin Church continue with “The Magic of Mendelssohn” (Oct. 30); Burning River Brass (Dec. 16); pianist Shuai Wang (Feb. 19); Josh Henderson and the Warp Trio (March 12); a family concert with North Coast Winds (April 30); and violinist Jinjoo Cho with pianist Hyun Soo Kim (May 7). Information at artconcerts.org, 216-861-7388.
Baldwin Wallace University: If you’re a music lover anywhere near Berea, you’re in luck. The Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music is a veritable cornucopia of events; the fall season alone is jam-packed with orchestra, chamber music, opera, and choral performances by a broad palette of students, faculty, and guests. And don’t worry if you don’t live nearby. Most events are livestreamed. For complete listings, go to bw.edu.
BlueWater Chamber Orchestra: Four creative projects lie in store this year for fans of BlueWater Chamber Orchestra, the professional ensemble directed by Daniel Meyer. Up first, on Oct. 8, is “Heaven and Earth,” a collaboration with Cleveland Chamber Choir. After that come “Magnetic Mozart” (Nov. 19); “Viva Latina!” (March 4); and “Celtic Charisma” (May 6). Information at bluewaterorchestra.com.
Brown Bag Concerts: This series of free lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays at Trinity Cathedral is well-stocked for fall 2022. It begins Oct. 5 with the Franck Piano Quintet and continues with Gabriel’s Horns (Oct. 19); cellist John Walz and pianist Elizabeth DeMio (Nov. 2); the Amethyst String Quartet (Nov. 16); Holiday organ favorites with Todd Wilson (Nov. 30); a Ceremony of Carols (Dec. 7); and a “Messiah” sing (Dec. 14). Information at trinitycleveland.org.
Case Western Reserve University: When it comes to music, Case Western Reserve University is the gift that keeps on giving. Between its two venues, Harkness Chapel and the Maltz Performing Arts Center, and its many student and community ensembles, there’s a full calendar much of it free, including the Case Camerata Chamber Orchestra, CWRU Symphonic Winds, Case/University Circle Symphony Orchestra, CWRU Choirs, Baroque Chamber Ensemble, and a Baroque Orchestra, to name a few. Complete listings can be found at music.case.edu.
CityMusic Cleveland: Orchestral music is back on the menu at CityMusic Cleveland. Now the series of free concerts at venues around Northeast Ohio includes both chamber music and works for the full ensemble. The season kicked off recently with “A Tuba Among Strings” and continues with “Baton-less Beethoven” (Oct. 27-30); “Entr’acte for Strings” (Nov. 11); “Perspectives for String Quartet” (Nov. 18); “Festive Sounds” (Dec. 8); “Music in the Time of Goya” (Jan. 20); “Explorations for Clarinet, Strings, and Piano” (Feb. 25); “The Visionary Clarinet” (March 16-19); a Holocaust Remembrance program (April 20-21); “Clarinet Dialogues” (May 13); and cellist Edward Aaron playing Haydn (May 18-21). Information at citymusiccleveland.org, 216-321-8273.
Cleveland Chamber Choir: Music director Scott MacPherson has four intriguing programs in store for this professional choir’s eighth season. Up first is “Heaven and Earth,” a collaboration with BlueWater Chamber Orchestra” (Oct. 8). After that comes “Winter Carols and Lullabies” (Dec. 16-18); “Of Sound Mind: From Darkness to Light” (Feb. 18-19); and the season finale, “Le Monde Musical: With the Cleveland Composers Guild” (April 2). Information at clevelandchamberchoir.org.
Cleveland Chamber Music Society: Patrons of this high-level concert series, now in its 73rd year, are being treated to seven tantalizing programs this season. The year got off to a brilliant start with the Wu Han, Philip Setzer, and David Finckel Trio and continues with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble (Oct. 18) the Jupiter Quartet (Nov. 15); violinists Paul Huang and Danbi Um with pianist Amy Yang (Feb. 21); the Bennewitz Quartet (March 14); clarinetist Anthony McGill, soprano Susanna Phillips, and pianist Myra Huang (March 28); and the Jerusalem Quartet (May 2). Information at clevelandchambermusic.org, 216-291-2777.
Cleveland Classical Guitar Society: After helping guitarist Berta Rojas reclaim her stolen guitar, this respected series featuring some of the world’s best guitarists is back in the business of presenting. The season began with a showcase concert and continues with Bokyung Byun (Oct. 8); the Boyd Meets Girl duo (Nov. 12); Rene Izquierdo (Jan. 28); Brasil Guitar Duo (March 11); and David Russell (April 22). Information at clevelandclassicalguitar.org.
Cleveland Institute of Music: Not even the most dedicated music lover could make it to everything CIM offers. A few highlights this fall include the CIM Orchestra with conductor Carlos Kalmar at Severance Music Center (Oct. 5 and Nov. 22); pianist Antonio Pompa-Baldi (Oct. 6); the New Music Ensemble (Oct. 16); Sphinx Virtuosi (Oct. 17); a production of Massenet’s “Cendrillon” by CIM Opera Theater (Nov. 11 and 13); and the Advanced String Quartet Program concert (Dec. 3). Information at cim.edu, 216-791-5000.
Cleveland Opera Theater: Cleveland Opera Theater is focused on community outreach and contemporary opera for the 2022-23 season under Scott Skiba. Three performances of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” benefitting the City Mission (Dec. 16-18) constitute the first half while the spring centers on Nkeiru Okoye and David Cote’s new opera “We’ve Got Our Eye On You” (February dates TBD). A gala concert concludes the season on April 28. Information at clevelandoperatheater.org.
Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra: Conductor Victor Liva and the Cleveland Philharmonic have plenty in store for the 2022-23 season. Up first, Oct. 15 and 16, is a program of Saint-Saens, Mozart, and Brahms. After that comes a holiday program with Beethoven and Marinescu (Dec. 10 and 11); a spring concert featuring pianist Shuai Wang playing the Schumann Concerto (March 4 and 5); and a program in April featuring Sibelius, Dvorak, and the winner of the 2022 Schumacher Competition. Information at clevephil.org, 216-556-1800
Cleveland Pops Orchestra: A concert in Elyria’s town square over Labor Day weekend got the year off to a lively start for the Cleveland Pops Orchestra and conductor-clarinetist Carl Topilow. Look now for “An Evening with Vocalist Daniel Emmet” (Nov. 5); a “Holiday Spectacular” (Nov. 27); a New Year’s Eve Concert and Party (Dec. 31); “A Date With Judy” (Jan. 21); “American Jazz” (Feb. 10); Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute (March 25); “The Teams of Broadway” (April 14); and “Summon the Heroes: American Salute” (May 27). Information at clevelandpops.com, 216-765-7677.
Cleveland State University: Music lovers have a great deal to choose from at Cleveland State University this fall, between students, faculty, and guests. Look for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Oct. 4 and Nov. 20); the CSU Symphony Orchestra (Oct. 14 and Dec. 2); CSU Choral and University Chorus (Oct. 24 and Dec. 10); pianist Kathleen Supove (Nov. 17); Student composer workshops (Nov. 22 and Dec. 4); and music by Andrew Rindfleisch (Dec. 14). Information at csuohio.edu.
Heights Chamber Orchestra: Middle age is a major milestone, and this 50-member community has reached it. The group kicks off its 40th season Oct. 9 with a program under Carl Topilow featuring works by Buck, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Rossini, and Tchaikovsky. After that come assorted programs conducted by Travis Jurgens (Nov. 20); artist TBD (Feb. 12); Dean Buck (March 26); and Frank Wiley (May 27). Visit heightschamberorchestra.org.
Helen D. Schubert Concert Series: Ministry through music continues with this free concert series at St. John Cathedral in Cleveland. Just one concert remains on the short 2022-23 season: local favorites Quire Cleveland, led by Jay White, April 21. Visit saintjohncathedral.com.
Keyboard Conversations: The indefatigable pianist Jeffrey Siegel plans three of his trademark recitals with commentary in Cleveland this year, all at the Maltz Performing Arts Center. Up first is “The Power & Passions” (Nov. 6), followed by “Immortal Impromptus” (Jan. 29) and “Mozart & Friends” (April 30). Information at case.edu/maltzcenter, 216-687-5022.
Les Delices: A Scottish folk program kicked off the year for Les Delices, a chamber group specializing in the French Baroque. Look next for “Winds of Change” (Oct. 21); “Rejoice: Bach Cantatas for Advent” (Dec. 2-4); “Enchanted Island” (Feb. 24-26); and “Isabella’s Renaissance” (April 21-23), all in addition to an intriguing series of “SalonEra” digital programs. Information at lesdelices.org.
Music from the Western Reserve: The finest in local talent is on display in this high-level chamber series in Hudson. The 40th-anniversary series commences Oct. 2 with pianist Peter Takacs and continues with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra (Oct. 23); pianist Zsolt Bognar (Nov. 10); violinist Minchae Kim with pianist Melivia Citravani Raharjo (Feb. 26); the Callisto String Quartet (March 12); a Baldwin Wallace Theater Musical Theater Showcase (April 23); and “Cleveland Orchestra Members in Recital” (May 7). Information at musicwr.org.
Oberlin College: The esteemed Artist Recital Series at Oberlin College is back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Up first is the vocal duo of Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi (Oct. 4). After that comes the Baroque ensemble ACRONYM (Nov. 15), the Verona Quartet with pipa player Wu Man (Feb. 25), and pianist Bruce Liu (April 30). Information at oberlin.edu, 440-775-8169.
Quire Cleveland: The 2022-22 season consists of just two programs for Quire Cleveland, Cleveland’s premiere early-music vocal ensemble, but they are good ones. The first is “Carols for Quire XII: Angels and Shepherds” (Dec. 1-3) and “Pater Noster: Our Father” (April 21-23). Information at quirecleveland.org, 216-223-8854.
Rocky River Chamber Music Society: The start of a 64th season is just around the corner for this beloved series of free chamber music concerts at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church. The first event is the Balourdet String Quartet, Sept. 26. After that come the Emerald Brass Quintet (Nov. 14); Butler Trio (Feb. 6); “New Morse Code” (April 3); and “All Stravinsky!,” featuring clarinetist Daniel McKelway, trumpeter Amanda Bekeny, and others (May 15). Information at rrcms.org.
Silver Hall Concert Series: One of several attractions at the Maltz Performing Arts Center is this series featuring local ensembles and touring acts. In 2022-23, the venue will host to the CWRU Symphonic Winds, Case/University Circle Symphony Orchestra, and the Case Camerata Chamber Orchestra. Also on the calendar: Shri Kalaa Mandir (Oct. 23); Zorya Ukrainian Female Vocal Ensemble (Dec. 4); Djapo Cultural Arts Center (Feb. 11); Vision & Renovare (March 30); and Dhamakapella (April 29). Information at case.edu/maltzcenter.
Snowbelt Symphony: The new professional orchestra for Lake and Geauga counties for its second year with founding conductor Greg Hills. Up first is “Postcards From Paris” (Oct. 29), followed by “Joy to the World” (Dec. 17), “Simply Strings…And Saxophone” (Feb. 19), and “A Taste of Italy” (April 1). Information and tickets at snowbeltmusical.org, 440-296-9610.
Suburban Symphony Orchestra: The elder statesman of community orchestras in Northeast Ohio has five eclectic (and free) programs in store for its 68th season. Up first is Faure’s Requiem, Oct. 2. After that come “Latin Gems & English Enigmas” (Nov. 20); “Beethoven’s Exuberant Seventh” (Jan. 29); “Bruckner’s Romantic Fourth” (March 19); and “Star Wars and Rising Stars” (May 21). Information at suburbansymphony.org.
The Cleveland Opera: The specifics of this company’s 2022-23 season are still under discussion, but the possibilities are looking good. Keep an eye out for Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Mozart and Salieri,” “Christmas with The Cleveland Opera,” “Opera Valentine,” Mascagni’s “L’Amico Fritz,” and Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale.” Information at theclevelandopera.org, 216-816-1411.
Tuesday Musical: Concert series don’t get much more eclectic than what Akron’s premiere presenter has in store for its 135th season at E.J. Thomas Hall. The season commences Oct. 2 with the Soweto Gospel Choir and continues with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (Oct. 20); the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass (Dec. 13); “Our Song, Our Story” (Feb. 2); pianist Martin Garcia Garcia (March 7); and violinist Itzhak Perlman (April 27). Information at tuesdaymusical.org, 330-761-3460.
Western Reserve Chorale: The details of this group’s 31st season at Church of the Gesu are still fuzzy, but three programs are in the works: a holiday program Dec. 4; “Remembrance and Hope,” a collaboration with Choral Arts Cleveland (in March); and a program of lighter fare (in June). Information at westernreservechorale.org, 216-282-4022.
West Shore Chorale: This choir under Michael Lisi already knows what it will be doing next Aug. 16: leading a community sing of Mozart’s Requiem. Before that come “Joyful Voices, Jubilant Sounds” (Dec. 4); Winter Concerts (Feb. 26 and March 5); and the Brahms Requiem (spring, TBA). Information at westshorechorale.org, 216-373-7773.
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