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CLEVELAND, OHIO (01-15-13) – The xxxxÊÓƵ (xxxxÊÓƵ) presents a variety of musical performances in February. Starting with award-winning students, the action doesn’t stop. The month includes orchestra performances, a star-studded free chamber recital presented by faculty members from The Cleveland Orchestra, a dramatic opera and more.

Read about February HIGHLIGHTS below, or visit cim.edu/calendar for a complete list.

The xxxxÊÓƵ presents hundreds of events each year, most of which are free of charge. Programs are performed at 11021 East Boulevard, Cleveland, unless otherwise noted. xxxxÊÓƵ’s Box Office is open weekdays from 10a.m. – 3p.m. and has a NEW direct dial phone number: 216.795.3211.

 

Faculty Pianist Daniel Shapiro Joined By

Award-Winning Matt Allen, Jinjoo Cho

February 1

Faculty pianist Daniel Shapiro will be joined in a chamber recital with student cellist Matthew Allen and student violinist Jinjoo Cho on Friday, February 1 at 8 p.m. in Mixon Hall. The program includes works by J.S. Bach, Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Dvořák. Free seating passes are required.

 

has quickly established himself as not only a leading young cellist, but an international icon. At the age of 20, he has already taken the gold medal in three of the world’s most important competitions – the Carlos Prieto International Cello Competition in Mexico, the Stulberg International String Competition in Michigan and the Gaspara Cassado International Cello Competition in Japan,where he also received the highest spectator vote count for the Audience Award.

Violinist is equally accomplished. She is the First Grand Prize and People’s Choice Award winner of the 2006 Montreal International Musical Competition, First Prize and Orchestra Award winner of the 2010 Buenos Aires International Violin Competition, 2nd Laureate of 2011 Isang Yun International Music Competition and has taken top prizes at numerous other competitions.

 

xxxxÊÓƵ Orchestra Guest Conducted by Theodore Kuchar

February 6

Music director of the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra will guest conduct the xxxxÊÓƵ Orchestra in Kulas Hall on Wednesday, February 6 at 8 p.m.

 

The program will include works by Dvořák, Shostakovich and Coplan’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, featuring Benjamin Chen. This event will be broadcast live on WCLV 104.9 FM with support from Audio Technica.

Maestro Kuchar is an alumnus of xxxxÊÓƵ, graduated in 1982 and studied viola with Robert Vernon.

 

 

Smirnoff Conducts Preparatory Division Concerto Showcase

February 12

Last season, the division of Preparatory and Continuing Education held its first concerto competition where young musicians competed for the chance to perform with the Conservatory Orchestra. Winners of the competition will be showcased February 12 with the xxxxÊÓƵ Orchestra. xxxxÊÓƵ President Joel Smirnoff conducts the event, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Kulas Hall.

 

 

 

Carolyn Warner & Friends Returns

February 20

Cleveland Orchestra pianist Carolyn Warner celebrates her 26th year as a member of xxxxÊÓƵ’s faculty with this special event, Carolyn Warner and Friends, now in its 9th season, on Wednesday, February 20 at 8 p.m in Mixon Hall. She’s joined by fellow members of The Cleveland Orchestra Stephen Warner (violin), Mark Jackobs (viola), Frank Rosenwein (oboe), Jesse McCormick (horn), John Clouser (bassoon) and recently retired member Richard Weiner (percussion). Saxophonist James Umble, as well as several student artists, also perform.

 

This event features works by Milhaud, Faure and Thuille. Seating passes are required and will be available at the xxxxÊÓƵ Box Office beginning February 13.

 

 

Opera Theater Presents Dramatic Dialogues of the Carmelites

February 27 – March 2

Following a light-hearted presentation of Il Matrimonio segreto this fall, xxxxÊÓƵ Opera Theater artistic director David Bamberger challenged vocalists to perform the dramatic Poulenc work Dialogues of the Carmelites (1957), opening February 27.

 

Francis Polenc’s Dialogues recounts the true story of an order of Carmelite nuns whose world collapses during the French Revolution and the onset of the Reign of Terror. The plot focuses on the spiritual journey of Blanche de la Force, a timid and fearful daughter of a wealthy nobleman.

Initially, Blanche seeks refuge from the coming revolution by joining the Carmelite nuns. The anti-religious fervor of the revolutionaries leads the nuns to adopt a vow of martyrdom. The young novice flees the convent but eventually, discovering her own strength of character and conviction, she rejoins the sisters in their final act of faith.

Dialogues is a remarkably beautiful work with music that is stirring and rich – at times hymnal and haunting. Though based on a dark period in 18th century French history, it raises questions that are as timely as today’s news broadcasts.

In keeping with the composer’s wishes, xxxxÊÓƵ will perform the opera in English allowing audiences to more easily follow this dramatic tale to its emotionally gripping conclusion.

 

 

For a complete list of February concert events, please visit the xxxxÊÓƵ event calendar.

The xxxxÊÓƵ is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.