Stephen Tavani

Violinist Stephen Tavani joined The Cleveland Orchestra as Assistant Concertmaster in 2018. Commenting on his playing, The New York Times wrote, “Tavani sometimes cooled his tone to the smoothness of frosted glass, adding a soft-focus filter to the chiseled melodies. ...” He was featured playing Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade at the 2022 Blossom Music Festival and made his debut as soloist with The Cleveland Orchestra in summer 2025, performing Bruch’s Second Violin Concerto. 

Alongside his work in Cleveland, Tavani has appeared as guest concertmaster with the Houston Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony, and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Before joining The Cleveland Orchestra, he was concertmaster of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. In addition, he has performed as soloist with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of the Americas, and at the MasterWorks Festival. 

An avid chamber musician, Tavani has appeared at many music festivals and chamber music series, including the Marlboro Music Festival, Dresden Music Festival, Music from Angel Fire, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Colburn Chamber Music Society, Curtis Recital Series, and with Curtis on Tour. He is a member of the Blossom Quartet with fellow Cleveland Orchestra musicians Yun-Ting Lee, William Bender, and Dane Johansen. The Quartet frequently performs around the Cleveland area. 

Tavani volunteers with the Cleveland-based group Renovare to bring string programs to Northeast Ohio inmates, using music to provide hope and healing. He is also involved with the MasterWorks Festival, which seeks to integrate Christian faith and life in the performing arts. Tavani resides on the East Side of Cleveland with his wife, Amanda — a double bassist and music educator — and their two young sons. He grew up in Northern Virginia in a musical family of six brothers. His mother is a voice teacher and lyric soprano; his father is a family physician and pianist.

Visit stephentavani.com to learn more about Tavani, and visit his YouTube channel to watch many of his live performances.