Sponsored by PNC Bank
Apr 30
May 1
Viola
William Bender grew up in Franklin, Tennessee, where he began studying viola in the pre-college program at Vanderbilt University with Kathryn Plummer. He later studied with Heidi Castleman at The Juilliard School and with Robert Vernon at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
From 2018 to 2021, Bender was based in London as Assistant Principal Viola of the Philharmonia Orchestra under the direction of Esa-Pekka Salonen. An active chamber musician, he appeared regularly with the Philharmonia Chamber Players and contributed to the orchestra’s “Music of Today” series, collaborating on contemporary works. Bender also regularly played recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios and Air Studios.
In November 2021, Bender joined The Cleveland Orchestra. He is passionate about performing chamber music in the community and frequently appears with the Blossom Quartet, an ensemble of fellow Orchestra members Stephen Tavani, Yun-Ting Lee, and Dane Johansen.
As an educator, Bender has coached students at Oberlin College, Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, Trinity-Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, the Australian Youth Orchestra, and the Colombian Youth Philharmonic. He has also taught at Cleveland State University and the Cleveland Institute of Music Academy.
Introduce the youngest music fans in your life to the instruments of the orchestra — and to the amazing musicians who play them — in cozy Reinberger Chamber Hall. Kid-friendly tunes and our energetic hosts will get children singing, clapping, and moving to the music! Each 30-minute performance features themes chosen especially for our youngest friends ages 3–6.
Below is a list of the features and services available at Severance for this concert. You may also request assistance in advance of a concert by calling the Severance Welcome Desk at 216-231-7300 or create a request using the button below.
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