CityMusic Cleveland is a professional chamber orchestra that performs free concerts throughout Northeast Ohio, accompanied by exhibits of local artwork.
Our mission is to develop audiences and build communities through the arts by:
* Presenting the finest quality performances of classical repertoire, * Eliminating the twin barriers of high ticket prices and unfamiliar venues, * Working with neighborhood leaders to enrich the cultural offerings of their communities.
In so doing, CityMusic Cleveland builds audiences for both the musical and visual arts organizations in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Founded in the summer of 2004, CityMusic Cleveland exploded onto the scene with eight concerts in different neighborhoods. As audiences have discovered the joys of CityMusic Cleveland concerts, the orchestra has grown into larger venues. CityMusic now holds residencies in Slavic Village, Rocky River, Elyria, Cleveland Heights, Willoughby and Willoughby Hills. The orchestra has also performed in the St. Clair-Superior ward, Brecksville, Shaker Heights, University Circle, Westlake, and Strongsville. Working with mayors, council members, and other community leaders, CityMusic has become part of each neighborhood’s cultural life.
CityMusic Cleveland has won critical acclaim, as well, both for its artistic excellence and for the contagious excitement of the players. In addition to music from the standard orchestral repertoire, CityMusic performs music by leading contemporary composers and has commissioned two new works.
James Gaffigan was Music Director of CityMusic Cleveland from 2005 till January, 2010, and became Artistic Advisor of CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra upon his appointment as Chief Conductor of the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. He received the Helen Thompson Award for his work with CityMusic Cleveland.
musicians are all highly-trained artists, making their careers performing and teaching in northeast Ohio and beyond.
