Heights Chamber Orchestra begins fall season

Luane Lesky, principal viola and Cleveland Heights resident. Photo by Anthony Addison.
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Heights Chamber Orchestra (HCO) starts its 29th season with a new concertmistress, Emily Cornelius, a player with an impressive record as soloist and a large teaching studio at the Fairmont School of the Performing Arts. She replaces Gino Raffaelli, who, on his retirement after 28 years of service, was named Concertmaster for Life.

In those 28 years, Raffaelli appeared 16 times as soloist with the orchestra, performing, among other works, concertos by Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Lalo, Mendelssohn and the American composer Samuel Barber. "Mr. Raffaelli’s generous sharing of his professional expertise and his superb musicianship has been a true blessing," said principal violist Luane Lasky, “and we’re happy that his positive influence will continue as he takes on a new post as board member."

Anthony Addison, a leader in Cleveland opera during the 1960s and 70s, and recently appointed HCO’s music director, will conduct four concerts. Melisse Brunet, currently completing advanced studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music, will lead a concert of French music.

HCO comprises 45 professional and amateur musicians who reside predominantly in Cleveland Heights and the eastern suburbs of Cleveland. Every new season brings new members to revitalize the group. No auditions are held, but interested players are welcomed to rehearsals to see how well they fit with the group.

In addition to Raffaelli, there are a handful of players who have also been with the group for many years. Toni Miller, a 25-year member, said, "The great variety of music that HCO explores is good both for us in the orchestra and for our audience." 

The 2011-12 season will start Oct. 23 at Grace Lutheran Church, on Cedar Road in Cleveland Heights. The Nov. 20 concert will be held at First Baptist Church in Shaker Heights; the Feb. 19, 2012, concert will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, and the final program will take place on April 1. Concerts are presented in area churches, free of charge.

Learn more at www.heightschamberorchestra.com.