7-17-2024 6:04pm

Summermusik Festival Celebrates Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra’s 50th Anniversary

Beth Callahan Editor

From Game Day Communications

CINCINNATI, OH -- To celebrate its landmark 50th anniversary, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra presents its tenth annual Summermusik festival, July 31–Aug. 24, 2024.

Founded in 1974 by Paul Nadler and Jorja Fleezanis, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra (CCO) creates intimate, transformative experiences that connect the musically curious. The Summermusik program provides a vibrant musical experience in intimate and informal settings, presenting orchestral works from the Baroque and Classical eras, as well as commissioned works by contemporary composers.

“We have a lot to be thankful for. Standing on the shoulders of many phenomenal musicians, music directors, staff and board members, artistic and community partners, and many generous supporters, we have been a beacon of innovation, community-mindedness, and musical excellence,” says Eckart Preu, CCO’s musical director.

The 2024 Summermusik festival recognizes the artistry of the CCO’s musicians. Many CCO musicians will be featured as soloists, including Principal Trumpet Ashley Hall-Tighe with the world-renowned Canadian Brass and Concertmaster Celeste Golden Andrews. The orchestra will also be spotlighted with a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the work’s 200th anniversary, which will close the festival.

A hallmark of Summermusik is its use of collaboration, bringing together artists from, across genres and art forms to create inspiration and innovation. This year’s programming includes a partnership with members of the local Indian community. Additional collaborations with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati Brass Band, and others, continue the tradition of partnering with local artists and organizations.

Summermusik offers three different concert experiences:

Full chamber orchestra performances at the School for Creative & Performing Arts
A Little Afternoon Musik, Sunday matinee concerts at local churches and schools
Chamber Crawls, held at bars, restaurants, and non-traditional concert venues

Among Summermusik’s new venues this year are the American Sign Museum, The Redmoor, Crestview Presbyterian Church, Westwood First Presbyterian Church, and Cincinnati Christian Hills Academy. (Full list of performances below.)

For the first time, Summermusik will offer a $25 discounted single ticket rate for Young Professionals (under 40) for its Chamber Crawl series. It will continue to offer FREE tickets for children under the age of 13 for selected Mainstage and A Little Afternoon Musik concerts. To learn more about each show and for tickets visit https://summermusik.org. Summermusik 2024 is sponsored by Robert and Debra Chavez.

Summermusik 2024 Events

Wednesday, July 31 | 7:30 p.m. — Notes in Neon
Saturday, August 3 | 7:30 p.m. — Let the Trumpets Sound
Tuesday, August 6 | 7:30 p.m. — Tropical Tunes – SOLD OUT (waiting list available)
Saturday, August 10 | 7:30 p.m. — Shakespeare in Love
Sunday, August 11 | 4 p.m. — Musical Poetry
Wednesday, August 14 and Thursday, August 15 | 7:30 p.m. — Locomotive Breath
Saturday, August 17 | 7:30 p.m. — Many Colors of India
Sunday, August 18 | 4 p.m. — Commentary & Film Screening of “Lion”
Wednesday, August 21 | 9 p.m. — Great American Songbook Revue
Saturday, August 24 | 7:30 p.m. — Happy Birthday!