Cleveland Orchestra pulls strings for program funds

The world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra will perform in Cartwright Hall auditorium tonight.

“We’re performing some interesting repertoire,” said Alan DeMattia, utility French horn player for the Cleveland Orchestra and Kent State alumnus.

The compositions being performed include Ludwig von Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture,” Franz Schubert’s “Symphony Number Five” and one of Mozart’s serenades.

The Cleveland Orchestra comes every three to five years as part of a partnership called the Kent/Blossom Series said Denise Seachrist, interim director of the School of Music. Proceeds from tonight’s performance go toward funding the Kent/Blossom summer program, which trains classical music students with several members of the Cleveland Orchestra over a six-week period.

“It’s a fabulous program,” said DeMattia, who participated in the program while enrolled at Kent State.

DeMattia said the Cleveland Orchestra and Kent partnership is important for both sides.

“It’s a win-win deal,” he said.

The Cleveland Orchestra performance costs $5 for students and begins at 8 p.m.

— Kyle McDonald