OFFBEAT RETURNS TO WCLV'S AIRWAVES

Offbeat, CIM's radio show, begins its third season on WCLV Saturday, October 6th, at 11:00 AM. The season starts with rebroadcasts of last year's shows. Then, beginning in January 2008, new shows will air for 13 weeks. Offbeat goes behind the scenes in classical music to explore a wide variety of topics. Programs feature lively conversation with both legendary and up-and-coming artists. Offbeat's host is Merry Peckham, cellist of the Cavani String Quartet.

Guests lined up so far include pianist and former president of the Curtis Institute of Music Gary Graffman and Christopher O'Riley, host of From the Top, heard on WCLV, Saturdays at 5:00 PM.

Here is the schedule for the new 2008 season: 

Jan. 5                                      What I did Last Summer

What do student musicians do in the summer?  Spend time at the beach?  Tour
Europe with friends?  Many continue their musical studies in one of the many
summer festivals or programs available around the country.  We've talked
with a few to find out how they spend their summer "breaks."

Jan. 12                                    Gary Graffman

The retired president of the Curtis Institute of Music visited CIM last
spring to receive an Honorary Doctorate. Mr. Graffman has been a major
figure in the music world since winning the prestigious Leventritt Award in
1949.  He has enjoyed an active career as a concert artist, concerto soloist
with the world's great orchestras and as a chamber music collaborator with
the most renowned artists of our time.  He shares his insights on
conservatory education and his continuing career as a teacher and pianist.

Jan. 19                                    Playing Second Fiddle

What's it like to sit in the second chair in a string quartet?  To provide
the inner voice in these intimate ensembles is critical to every
performance.  Hear what three exceptional second violinists - Peter Salaff,
of the Cleveland Quartet, Earl Carlyss who performed for many years with the
Juilliard Quartet and our own Mari Sato, second violinist of the Cavani
Quartet -  have to say about their experiences.

Jan. 26                                    Joan Tower

With a career that spans five decades, Joan Tower's music is performed all
over the world.  Her bold, energetic music, known for its striking imagery,
has won large and enthusiastic audiences.  She has visited CIM to share her
expertise with our composition students and also with our listening
audience.

Feb. 2                                      Noteworthy Music Methods

There is more than one way, as they say, to do many things, including teach
music.  CIM is home to one of these renowned programs - Dalcroze Eurhythmics
- which became a central part of our academic programs beginning in the
early 1920s and is required of all students to this day.  Carl Orff's
explorations centered on the student's natural affinities for rhythm and
melody. Eminent educators David Brown and Robin Brian will shed some light
on these important ways to study music.

Feb. 9                                      Christopher O'Riley

Acclaimed pianist and host of the popular NPR radio program, From the Top,
Christopher O'Riley has many thoughts on the future of classical music and
nurturing the young talent of tomorrow.  He was in Cleveland recently when
CIM hosted From the Top and spent some time in our studio to share his
ideas.

Feb. 16                                    Becoming a Singer

It's not easy to make the leap into the professional world of opera.  It
takes time for the voice to develop and careful training of the instrument.
Mary Schiller, head of the CIM voice department will tell us about her
technique to develop young voices for the role they will play on stages
around the world.  Susan Williams, a Doctoral candidate in CIM's vocal
program adds her perspective to the process.

Feb. 23                                    Classical Multi-Media

It's not just about music anymore.  Or was it ever?  Music, visuals arts and
theatrics have often untied for unique concert going experiences.  Hear
about the artistic programming and marketing efforts that are being used to
bring classical music to new audiences, and to keep our traditional
audiences engaged in enjoying the music they've loved with a new twist.  Our
guests will be Paul Sykes, a creative arts entrepreneur and Jonathan
Sheffer, the Artistic Director of Red (an orchestra).

Mar 1                                      Musical Families

Talent of all kinds seems to run in families.  Whether it's athletics,
music, or another creative skill - does genetics play a role?  Is it
something that can be developed or is there a natural link that simply has
to be encouraged? We will talk with several artists who share talents with a
sibling, parent or at times a whole family.

Mar 8                                      Special Guest to be announced

Mar 15                                    Preparing for a Life in Music

Long hours of study and practice, endless performance classes, so much
repertoire....it's all part of becoming a professional musician.  But, what
about finding the right instrument?  Finding a way to afford the proper
lessons and teacher?  How about participating in summer programs?  A
Conservatory education is not inexpensive.  Discover how these extremely
dedicated and focused young people make it happen - with a lot of assistance
from those working behind the scenes to help them succeed.

Mar 22                                    Taking it to the Streets

Classical musicians are turning up in new settings and bringing a new
approach to presenting their music.  Students and faculty at CIM take
classical music into schools, retirement centers and hospitals.  Concerts
are being presented all over town, in not so traditional settings.  Annie
Fullard, violinist with the Cavani String Quartet and a tremendous supporter
of outreach in all forms, and Erica Ward, a CIM student violinist, are both
active making sure that classical music is there to be enjoyed by all.

Mar 29                                    David and Linda Cerone

For over 23 years David Cerone has been at the helm of CIM. He had developed
academic programs, championed distance learning and been the driving force
behind CIM's recent expansion. Throughout that time, Linda Cerone has led
the string department of the Preparatory Division and nurtured young
students both at CIM and the ENCORE School for Strings.  Both are amazing
teachers and performers. Join us as we take a look at their distinguished
careers and at the visionary leadership they have provided to CIM and the
Cleveland cultural community.