Boyagian to conduct Saint Ann Chamber Orchestra

On Dec. 11, 1918, the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra delivered a benefit performance at the historic Gray’s Armory for Saint Ann Church. Some of you may know the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra eventually evolved into the world-famous Cleveland Orchestra. However, most of you probably do not know that it was Father John Powers, pastor of Saint Ann Church, to whom, as Plain Dealer music critic James Rogers wrote at the time, “[Clevelanders] are indebted for this opportunity.”  Father Powers, according to Donald Rosenberg’s The Cleveland Orchestra Story, was instrumental (pun intended) in orchestrating (intended, again) this early version of our present-day Cleveland Orchestra.

In the tradition of Saint Ann Church’s founding pastor, and as an homage to its early association with the Cleveland Orchestra, the parish announces the inauguration of its Powers Concert Series with two concerts. The first is scheduled for Dec. 12 at 8 p.m., and the second for a date to be determined in May 2010. Both concerts will feature an evening of glorious music by the Saint Ann Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Domenico Boyagian of the Cleveland Institute of Music. This professional 50-piece orchestra includes members of the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Cleveland Orchestra and Saint Ann Parish.

The December concert, “Angels in the Heights: A Celebration of Christmas,” will be held in historic Saint Ann Church, and includes classical and contemporary holiday favorites and promises to be an exciting evening for the whole family. Reserved seats are $50 for adults and $25 for children under 18, and includes a festive Christmas preconcert party with hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and a raffle. Organizers hope residents will add this concert to their holiday calendar as a must-see event and participate in the revival of Saint Ann Church’s distinguished musical past. Like the original 1918 event, the Powers Concert Series will benefit the general operation of Saint Ann Parish and School.  

For more information, or to order concert tickets, log on to www.saintann.us/Music_Program.html or contact the parish rectory at 216-321-0024.

Stephanie Applegate is a lifelong resident of Cleveland Heights and the mother of two boys. She also serves on the board of Heights Community Congress.