CSU Symphony Orchestra @ Waetjen Auditorium 11/24/09

Who knew that you could hear a member of the Cleveland Orchestra playing a solo for free tonight? The only thing unusual about Alan Harrells’ cello performance was that he was playing with the other Cleveland Orchestra. No, not that one either. We’re talking about the Cleveland State University Symphony Orchestra, performing free at Waetjen Auditorium.

Conductor Victor Liva has a style that is relaxed but never descends to casual. Consequently, under his command the student musicians played like the professionals that they aspire to become. Accompanied by Harrell’s superb performance, they threw themselves into the piece with a dedication rarely heard from unpaid musicians.

The first half of the concert consisted of Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor, a classical music staple but a challenging piece nonetheless. Harrell did not disappoint, and played with the skill, expression, and emotion that one would expect to hear from such an accomplished professional.

The second half consisted of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, which opened on the strength of the powerful bass section supporting a smallish but very capable cello section. The orchestra moved through the piece with a robust, confident sound that was marred only by a slight hesitancy at times from the horns. Still, the piece built to a satisfying climax that pleased the moderate-sized crowd.

The approachable ensemble and venue (did I mention that it was free?) seem to inspire a certain atmosphere of informality among the concertgoers. For instance, flash photography, a brief crying baby, and other shenanigans that would never be tolerated at Severance Hall (was it really necessary, Cheeto-Eater, to crumple your bag rather than do what any cultured person would have done – namely to drop it quietly on the floor?). Still, I can think of far worse ways to spend a Tuesday evening in Cleveland. We have such a wealth of musical talent that it is easy to overlook performances such as this. I personally will be checking out the CSU website to make sure I don’t miss any upcoming orchestra concerts. Oh – and I need to make sure I have time to put my snack foods in quieter bags.

The CSU Symphony Orchestra’s schedule (along with other events) is available at http://www.csuohio.edu/class/music/calendar.html or by calling 216-687-5010. Concerts are held in the Music and Communication Building, 2001 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115 and the specific venue within the building is on the schedule.

Bob Yanega is a freelance writer, speaker, fountain of ideas, and renaissance man. He also still occasionally publishes his e-newsletter Bobsense, and spends a disproportionate amount of time inline skating and tinkering with various eco-friendly home projects.

A lifelong Clevelander and unofficial Cleveland ambassador, Bob promises that he will actually publish his book someday which he says will “transform the way people in Cleveland think about Cleveland”. His website is http://www.BobSense.com.