“Beethoven & Prometheus: The Hero’s Journey” slated for Nov. 9

In an effort to usher in a new generation of classical music aficionados and as part of its 50^th anniversary celebration, Lakeland Community College is hosting a free education concert for Lake County middle and high school students. Lakeland’s 50^th celebration coincides with The Cleveland Orchestra’s 100^th season as well as its Second Century “Around the Region” celebration.

The concert, which boasts a hero theme, is slated for Thursday, Nov. 9, on Lakeland’s main campus and will be conducted by Vinay Parameswaran, assistant conductor of the orchestra and music director of The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra.

“We are excited to welcome The Cleveland Orchestra back to Lakeland for the college’s 50^th anniversary,” said Constance Edwards, D.M.A., associate dean for arts and sciences at Lakeland. “Many of our community members may remember that in the late 70s and early 80s, the orchestra played to sold-out crowds during a number of concerts for Lake County residents in the college’s main gym. Under the baton of Leonard Skatkin,Guido Ajmone-Masion, Lorin Maazel and Yoel Levi, they performed selections from Beethoven, Mozart, Bartok, Prokofiev, Berlioz, Haydn, Sibelius, Ravel, Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich.”

All schools in Lake County were invited to participate on a first-to-respond basis. More than 1,000 students will be attending the performance. The schools include: Andrews Osborne Academy, Heritage Middle School, Harvey High School, Hershey Montessori School, Lake Catholic High School, Mentor High School, Perry High School, Riverside High School, St. Gabriel School, St. Mary of the Assumption School and Wickliffe High School.

The concert aims to appeal to today’s youth with an integrated program featuring a blend of visuals and music that will include movements from Beethoven’s greatest compositions. The visual aspect of the program highlights the orchestra’s collaboration with the Cleveland Schools of the Arts (CSA). The concert will be performed with a high video backdrop which will screen previously-filmed CSA students’ work in art, dance, drama, science, social studies related to the “Hero’s Journey” theme.

“My favorite part of teaching has been fostering a love of music,” said Dr. Edwards. “We hope that this experience teaches students how to enjoy and appreciate music at a deeper level.”

Due to distance and economic factors, many students in Lake County do not have the opportunity to see and hear the orchestra at Severance Hall in Cleveland. Because the orchestra is reaching out into Lake County through this event, it will give many children an enriching experience and introduction to a world-renowned orchestra that they otherwise may not have. The program’s goal is to influence the next generation of orchestra concert-goers through exposure of music.

As a part of its mission to continue to offer arts experiences both on and off campus to students and the community, The Lakeland Foundation has established several music funds to support programs and needs. For more information, contact Amy Sabath at asabath1@lakelandcc.edu.

About Lakeland Community College

For 50 years, Lakeland Community College has impacted thousands of lives through learning. Founded in 1967, the college marks its 50^th anniversary in 2017. Lakeland was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to its mission, the college provides quality learning opportunities to more than 10,000 credit students to meet the needs of the community. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Lakeland offers more than 130 associate degree and technical certificate programs leading to high-demand careers or transfer to four-year institutions. Lakeland also offers bachelor’s and graduate degrees on campus at the Holden University Center through a variety of four-year partner institutions.

By: Jessica Novak