As summer music festival season gets into full swing, here's a roundup of what to look forward to at classical music festivals and summer concert series around the state this summer. Which festivals are you looking forward to? Leave a comment and let us know which performances you'll be attending!
Blossom Festival (Cleveland Orchestra)
When: June 2 - September 10 What: Each year the Cleveland Orchestra gives a series of concerts at the Blossom Music Center's outdoor amphitheater, where families can enjoy a variety of classical repertoire each weekend. Where: Blossom Music Center (map) Highlights:
- July 23 - Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 (Jon Kimura Parker, piano)
- July 30 - From Russia with Love (including Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with Christian Tetzlaff, violin)
- August 20/21 - The Joffrey Ballet (including Balanchine's Stravinsky Violin Concerto)
- August 28 - On The Town (includes a selection of Three Dance Episodes from Bernstein's On the Town and Weber's Clarinet Concerto No. 2 with Franklin Cohen, Clarinet)
More Information: Complete schedule and ticket information can be found on the festival website or by calling 216-231-1111. Children 17 and under admitted free to the lawn - full details in festival brochure (pdf)
Cincinnati Opera Summer Festival
When: June 16 - July 31 What: This years Cincinnati Opera summer festival is offering nine live opera performances at Cincinnati's Music Hall. Where: Cincinnati Music Hall (map) Highlights:
- June 16/18 - Verdiâs Rigoletto
- June 30/July 2 - Adamsâ A Flowering Tree
- July 14/16 - Tchaikovskyâs Eugene Onegin
- July 27/29/31 â Mozartâs The Magic Flute
More Information: Complete schedule and ticket information on the Cincinnati Opera's website or call 513.241.2742.
Columbus Symphony Picnic with the Pops
When: June 18 - July 30 What: Each year the Columbus Symphony Pops performs pop/jazz music concerts on the lawn of the Chemical Abstracts Service (the series moves to Columbus Commons starting in 2012). Where: Chemical Abstracts Lawn (map) Highlights: This year's performances with the Columbus Symphony include:
- June 25 - The Music of Michael Jackson conducted by Brent Havens
- July 2 â Patriotic Pops (including Gershwinâs Rhapsody in Blue)
- July 23 â The Spinners
- July 29/30 â The Ohio State University Marching Band
More Information: Complete schedule and ticket information can be found on the festival website or by calling 614-228-8600.
Ohio Light Opera
When: June 18 - August 13 What: This summer, Ohio Light Operaâs 2011 summer festival offers several new shows and some returning by popular demand. Where: Freelander Theatre (map) Highlights:
- Cole Porterâs Jubilee
- Victor Herbertâs The Fortune Teller
- Leo Fallâs Madame Pompadour
- Gilbert and Sullivanâs The Pirates of Penzance
- Franz Lehárâs The Merry Widow
More Information: Complete schedule and ticket information on the Ohio Light Opera website or call 330.263.2345.
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
When: June 25 - August 6 What: Each year the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra puts on a series of shows at Riverbend Music Center. Where: Riverbend Music Center (map) Highlights:
- June 25 - Idina Menzel, the Tony award-winning âElphabaâ? from Wicked, performs with the Pops
- July 4 - Red White & Boom
- August 6 - Hallelujah Broadway with the May Festival Chorus
More Information: Complete schedule and ticket information on the festival website or by calling 513.381.3300. (The free community concert series is listed here.)
Lancaster Festival
When: July 21 - 30 What: Since 1985, the Lancaster Festival has been offering a 10-day event that includes a wide range of musical performances and family activities. Where: Ohio University-Lancaster Campus (map) Highlights: Classical 101's Christopher Purdy is hosting a Café Concert at Shawâs Inn July 25 and an Opera Concert July 27. Keep an eye on the festival's website for more details about the performance schedule. More Information: Complete schedule and ticket information can be found on the festival website or by calling 740-653-8700.