Peter Otto, Violin, and Friends

Trina Struble Bourne, Harp; Randall Fusco, Piano

From time to time, Rocky River Chamber Music Society presents concerts that do not feature a known ensemble, but rather bring together highly talented musicians who are colleagues that delight in the joy of performing with one another. On Monday, May 7, at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River, the Society will present just such a concert featuring two Cleveland Orchestra musicians and a pianist who has often recorded with Orchestra members. The ensemble will perform music by French composer, Camille Saint-Saëns; contemporary composer, Jőrg Widmann; and Argentinian composer, Astor Piazolla.

Peter Otto, violin, has garnered international critical acclaim as shown by German critics who described him as “imminently violinistic…impulsive and passionate, wielding wonderfully facile technique.” His intellectual curiosity and passion for the connection of music, philosophy, and mathematics have led to a profound appreciation for complex musical styles ranging from pre-Baroque to the present day. Mr. Otto’s multifaceted career as soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and teacher has led him to perform with such ensembles as the Czech Philharmonic, the Heidelberg Chamber Orchestra, the Nation Youth Orchestra of Germany, and the Cleveland Philharmonic. Franz Welser-Mőst, music director of The Cleveland Orchestra, appointed Peter Otto First Associate Concertmaster in 2007. Currently Mr. Otto is also an adjunct professor of violin at Cleveland State University.

Trina Struble was appointed principal harp of The Cleveland Orchestra in 2007. She joined the Orchestra as assistant principal harp in 1992, after graduating from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music with bachelor’s degrees in both harp and violin. Later she earned master of music degrees in harp and violin from the Cleveland Institute of Music. At both Oberlin and CIM Ms. Struble studied with the legendary Alice Chalifoux, former principal harp of The Cleveland Orchestra. Before joining the Orchestra, she toured with the American-Soviet Youth Orchestra, and played with such ensembles as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Houston Symphony. Ms. Struble teaches privately, does master classes upon request, and is adjunct professor of violin at Cleveland Institute of Music.

Pianist Randall Fusco has performed with or conducted numerous orchestras in Northeastern Ohio and Pennsylvania. He has recorded vocal and chamber music with many artists including members of The Cleveland Orchestra. His Bachelor and Master degrees of Music were earned at the Eastman School of Music, and he studied conducting at the University of Illinois. As professor of music at Hiram College, Mr. Randall has taught piano, music theory, music history, and served as co- staff accompanist.

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.

Program:
Camille Saint-Saëns, Fantasy for Violin and Harp, Op. 124
Jörg Widmann, Etude No. 6, “Lullaby for Salome,” for Violin Solo
INTERMISSION
Astor Piazolla, Grand Tango for Violin and Piano, arr. Sofia Gubaidulina

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.