Mon 6/2 @ 7:30PM
The Cleveland Youth Orchestra was founded almost 20 years ago by its executive director Liza Grossman to bring together young musicians from all over the region to learn how to work and perform in an orchestral ensemble.
The group works with contemporary composers on new pieces, but it’s best known for its high-profile collaborations with rock and pop acts, most of whom had their heyday before the young musicians’ parents even met — acts like Styx, Jefferson Starship, Jon Anderson of Yes, and Pat Benatar.
Its upcoming collaboration features someone a tad closer to the kids’ generation: pop/rock pianist Ben Folds, who made his first impression performing with the Ben Folds Five in the late ’90s. Folds is in the midst of a tour with orchestras, which dovetails precisely with CYO’s mission. His keyboard-based, extravagantly melodic music is a natural for orchestral embellishment.
And this time the young players will get to perform on a BIG stage. Instead of their usual venue at Cleveland State’s Waetjen Hall, the show will take place at Severance Hall, giving them a real taste of the big time. Grossman will conduct the performance.
Tickets are $29-$89.
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106