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In 1986, a group of London musicians took a good look at that curious institution we call the Orchestra and decided to start again from scratch. They began by throwing out the rulebook. Put a single conductor in charge? No way. Specialize in music of a particular era? Too restricting. Perfect a work and then move on? Too lazy.
The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment was born. Today, they still push for change and stand for excellence, diversity, and exploration. Hear them in Oberlin with countertenor Iestyn Davies in Baroque masterpieces by Italian composers on Fri 11/22 at 7:30PM. Tickets $10-$35.
The best students in the world compete each year for top prizes at the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition at the Oberlin College and Conservatory, this year celebrating its Tenth Anniversary. CoolCleveland's Thomas Mulready spoke with 17-year old violinist Enrique Rodrigues from Fair Lawn, New Jersey, who's already performed in Russia, Germany, Florida, California and the New York area with his music.
And you won't believe how long Enrique told us he practices each week. Watch the live webcast, and call 800-686-1141 or visit ClevelandOrchestra.com for tickets for the Concerto Finals with The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall in Cleveland on Wed 7/24.
Oberlin Conservatory's Jazz Studies degree turns 30, and you're invited to join the celebration. Beginning April 15, Marking 30 Years encompasses three days of riveting talks, fascinating films, and scintillating performances paying tribute to those who helped forge Oberlin's jazz program. Highlights include a rare performance by Oberlin's jazz faculty (4/16), which includes legendary drummer Billy Hart and saxophonist Gary Bartz.
Festivities wrap up with an appearance by the Spring Quartet (4/17) - featuring Jack DeJohnette, Cleveland's own Joe Lovano, Esperanza Spalding, and Leo Genovese. Limited tickets remain for Spring Quartet. All other events are free.
SPONSORED: ONLY @ OBERLIN Well, this is an unexpected surprise. A master interpreter of one of classical music's most monumental works pays a surprise visit to Oberlin this week. French pianist Alexandre Tharaud will perform Bach's Goldberg Variations in Finney Chapel at 7:30PM on Wed 4/3, followed by a Q&A with Oberlin Professor of Piano Robert Shannon. The performance, a part of the 2018-19 Artist Recital Series, replaces a previously scheduled appearance by pianist Piotr Anderszewski.
SPONSORED: ONLY @ OBERLIN Britain's Doric String Quartet brings pieces from recent acclaimed recordings -- Mendelssohn, Haydn, and Britten -- during their international tour celebrating 20 years together. Fri 2/22. Next, the Grammy-winning Joyce DiDonato and her top-flight backing ensemble brings Songplay to town. Catch classical-jazz fusions of music from Italian Art Songs to Broadway. Wed 2/27.
SPONSORED: ONLY @ OBERLIN Known as “The Royal Family of Guitar,” the Romeros were the world's first classical guitar superstars--and nearly six decades later, they remain a phenomenon unlike any other. Their lineup represents three generations--including original members Celin and Pepe--and their impassioned program features Albeniz, Villa-Lobos, and others. Sun 11/18.
SPONSORED: ONLY @ OBERLIN A magnificent violinist meets a spectacular instrument: Oberlin welcomes Grammy-winner James Ehnes and pianist Andrew Armstrong for works by Beethoven, Ravel, Brahms, and Corigliano. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Oberlin in the fall - and the first performance in nearly two decades on Oberlin's gloriously restored 1722 Stradivarius violin. Sun 10/14.
SPONSORED: ONLY @ OBERLIN Welcome fall with an unforgettable evening of music: The Cleveland Orchestra and Franz Welser-Most open Oberlin's Artist Recital Series with Swan Lake and piano soloist Alexandre Tharaud on Fri 9/21. Seven great concerts follow, ranging from chamber music to vocal music to jazz. Subscriptions available. Single tickets: $30-$35. Students just $10.
VIDEO: Cooper International Piano Competition Rocks Severance Hall
31 young pianists from 7 different countries around the world gather here in northeast Ohio over the next week to take the stage for the ninth-annual Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition. These 14-18 year old pianists will compete to advance through the four rounds at Oberlin Conservatory to the Concerto Finals with the Cleveland Orchestra on Friday, July 20th at Severance Hall.
All rounds at Oberlin Conservatory are free and open to the public. Tickets for the Concerto Finals at Severance Hall start at $13, and students under 18 get in free with a paying adult. The first prize winner is awarded $20,000 and a full-tuition scholarship to attend Oberlin Conservatory.\\\