Week 5: Orchestra Week

Orchestra Week Schedule

In most seasons, the fifth week of the festival is dedicated to orchestral studies culminating in two same-day performances at Blossom Music Center. The schedule of the week is flexible from year-to-year to accommodate artist, conductor and venue availability. 

Chamber Orchestra

• The Kent Blossom Music Festival Chamber Orchestra forms this week, typically conducted by The Cleveland Orchestra’s assistant/associate conductor. 
• Rehearsals are held daily, allowing for an in-depth study of the works to be performed. 
• A culminating performance is held at Blossom Music Center before The Cleveland Orchestra takes the stage to perform a concert. 

Side-by-Side with The Cleveland Orchestra

• A highlight of the Festival is the Side-by-Side performance where you sit alongside your mentors to perform during The Cleveland Orchestra’s portion of the concert. 
• Leading up to the concert, you’ll have at least one rehearsal at Severance Hall with The Cleveland Orchestra, led by that week’s conductor. 

Pianists

• You’ll stay busy during Orchestra Week through extensive work with Joela Jones, head of keyboard studies for the Festival and now-retired principal keyboardist of The Cleveland Orchestra. 
• Each year is a bit different, with a course of study determined by Joela. You can expect a rigorous schedule that may include study of and classes in keyboard repertoire in orchestral settings, piano duos and chamber music, and solo repertoire.