Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus
Frank Bianchi, Director
The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus was founded in 1991 to raise awareness of choral music-making in the schools of northeastern Ohio and to encourage more students to continue their choral activities through college and into adulthood. The 120 members of the Youth Chorus are in grades 9 to 12 and represent some 40 schools and communities. Like their colleagues in the Youth Orchestra, they are chosen through competitive auditions.
The Youth Chorus presents an average of five concerts each season and collaborates with such outstanding musical ensembles as The Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and Cleveland State University and Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music choral ensembles. In addition to performances at Severance Hall, their activities include concerts and other outreach programs in the greater Cleveland area. The Youth Chorus participates in workshops and master classes with highly regarded choral directors and clinicians. The ensemble has performed at the Ohio Choral Directors Association Convention and on subscription concerts at the Cathedral of St. John in Cleveland. Many members receive the opportunity to sing side-by-side with The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus during holiday concerts and at Blossom Music Center. Under the direction of Frank A. Bianchi, the ensemble has received great acclaim and has grown into one of the top high-school-aged choral performing ensembles in the state of Ohio.
Initial funding for the Youth Chorus was provided by the W.O. Frohring Foundation, the Edward and Ruth Wilkof Foundation, and the Sears Family Foundation. Ongoing support is provided by the Edward and Ruth Wilkof Foundation.
Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus 2010-2011 Concert Schedule
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Date
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Time
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Description
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Location
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Sunday,
November 28, 2010
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7:30 p.m.
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Holiday Concert with
Baldwin-Wallace Men’s Chorus
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Church of the Savior
2537 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights
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Saturday,
December 4, 2010
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3:00 p.m.
&
8:00 p.m.
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Holiday Concert with
Baldwin-Wallace Men’s Chorus
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Kulas Musical Arts Bldg
96 Front Street
Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea
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Monday,
January 17, 2011
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TBA
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MLK Community Open House
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Severance Hall
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Friday,
March 4, 2011
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7:30 p.m.
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Spring Concert
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Cathedral of St. John
1007 Superior Ave East
Cleveland
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Sunday,
March 6, 2011
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7:00 p.m.
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Concert with Cleveland Orchestra
Youth Orchestra
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Severance Hall
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Youth Chorus Eligibility and Auditions
All students in grades 9-12 are eligible to audition for the Youth Chorus, as are 8th grade boys with changed voices. Some Youth Chorus alumni may also be invited by the director to participate in Youth Chorus activities as section leaders. Participation requires a nominal tuition fee, plus the cost of concert attire, however scholarships are available to those in need. Youth Chorus rehearsals are held on Sunday afternoons from mid-September through early March.
Auditions for the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus are held each spring. For audition dates and requirements, please call the Chorus office at 216-231-7384, send an email to chorus@clevelandorchestra.com, or click here for the most current audition information.
