Joshua Smith & Ensemble HD

Pre-concert feature article in ClevelandClassical.com – “Ensemble HD: “Cabaret — Between Two World Wars” on Rocky River Chamber Music Series February 1”

The third concert of the Rocky River Chamber Music Society’s 57th season features Joshua Smith, principle flute of The Cleveland Orchestra, and his Ensemble HD on Monday, February 1, 2016 at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., at 7:30 p.m. The Ensemble’s program is entitled “Cabaret: Between Two World Wars” spotlighting French and Central European music of the 20th century from 1910 – 1936.

Joshua Smith captured national attention in 1990 when he became principal flute with The Cleveland Orchestra at the age of 20. In addition to his distinguished career with a world-class orchestra and his work as head of the Flute Department at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Mr. Smith fulfilled a desire to explore new ways of connecting with audiences by forming an innovative chamber group in 2009 called Ensemble HD. This group came to life at The Happy Dog, a bar/restaurant in Cleveland’s Gordon Square Arts District, and it continues to perform at other non-traditional venues such as restaurants, parks, festivals and schools, as well as concert halls.

In May 2013 the group released its first vinyl recording, Ensemble HD: Live at the Happy Dog, which Audiophile Review hailed as “a recording of lovingly performed chamber music.” Voix des Arts noted, “Ensemble HD’s playing glistens with virtuosity and invention….” Currently, in addition to Mr. Smith, the group is comprised of Cleveland Orchestra members Frank Rosenwein, oboe; Amy Lee, violin; Joanna Patterson, viola; and Charles Bernard, cello. Additionally, pianist Christina Dahl, a visiting faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music, rounds out Ensemble HD.

The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening in the outstanding acoustical environment of West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Boulevard, Rocky River.

As is true of all concerts presented by the Rocky River Chamber Music Society, there is no admission charge and all are welcome. For further information call 440-333-4296 or email us at info@rrcms.org.

Pictured above: In the back row from L to R are Christina Dahl, piano; & Joshua Smith, flute. The seated row from L to R has Joanna Patterson, viola; Amy Lee, violin; Charles Bernard, cello; and Frank Rosenwein, oboe.