Thu 6/14-Sat 6/30
ChamberFest Cleveland, that series of small-ensemble performances in various venues over a two-week period of times, was founded by retired Cleveland Orchestra clarinetist Franklin Cohen, and his violinist daughter Diana Cohen (who is concertmaster of the Calgary Philharmonic) six years ago.
This year’s theme is “In Search of Freedom,” which they describe as “one of the most essential ingredients in the creative enhancement of the human spirit.” The festival has booked what they call a “mind-boggling” range of concerts, taking place this year in somewhat more traditional venues than in its early years: Cleveland Institute of Music’s Mixon Hall, the Reinberger Chamber Hall at Severance Hall, the Maltz Performing Arts Center, the Crawford Rotunda at the Cleveland History Center, and the Maron Glass Box, all but the latter in University Circle.
More than two dozen musicians, including the Cohens, will participate in different configurations in nine concerts that will present music by familiar, beloved composers (Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Bach), noted 20th composers (Alban Berg, George Crumb, Olivier Messaien), lesser-known works and even a program of works based on traditional Sephardic and Arabic songs. They’re arranged in themes such as “Free for All,” “Forging New Paths” and “Dawn of a Revolution.”
The festival starts Thu 6/14 @ 7:30PM at CIM’s Mixon Hall with “A Burst of Freedom,” with a group of five musicians performing work by Franz Schubert, Leoš Janáček and Ludwig van Beethoven. It also includes a new event, a benefit called Big Band Bash, taking place at the Calfee Marble Atrium downtown Fri 6/15.
For a full schedule and a range of ticket packages, go here.
Cleveland, OH 44106
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
Cleveland, OH 44106
Cleveland, OH 44106
Cleveland, OH 44114
Cleveland, OH 44114