OAK RIDGE, TN — The cello event of the year is set for November 1, 2018. Cello students of all ages and abilities will meet at Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge Campus, for a mass "play-in" and masterclass with Mark Kosower. Kosower is an internationally acclaimed cellist, Principal Cellist of The Cleveland Orchestra, and faculty at the famed Cleveland Institute of Music.

Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra Strings (cellists); Image submitted

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM, and the play-in begins at 3:30 PM. Late arrivals are welcome for this large gathering of one of the largest instruments in an orchestra.

Sponsored by the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association, the event is "part of a residency which includes an evening of cello and piano chamber music. It will also feature an orchestra concert showcasing Kosower in two cello concertos with the Oak Ridge Symphony," said Cathy Whitten, ORCMA Board member, and Chairperson of the Masterclass Committee. "Students have been practicing for weeks to prepare for the play-in with Mark Kosower, who is renowned for teaching both collegiate and pre-collegiate students."

"The cello is known for its expressive, vocal range," commented Music Director and cellist Dan Allcott. "Having a lobby full of cellists is a musician's dream, and hearing them perform in 5-part harmony is a rare treat — Distinctly Oak Ridge!"

Following the play-in, students of Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra cellists will participate in the Kosower Masterclass, free and open to the public. "All interested persons are invited to attend the masterclass and learn from this musical offering to the community led by master teacher and performer, Mark Kosower," continued Allcott, "which also includes internationally acclaimed pianist/accompanist Jee-Won Oh, who was the studio pianist and assistant to the famed cellist Janos Starker."

The Mark Kosower Residency is made possible with generous support from Mr. James Rome. Adults attending the Mark Kosower Masterclass may purchase discounted tickets to the Chamber Music Series Concert and the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra concerts on November 2 and November 4, respectively. Information will be available at the masterclass and is also on the ORCMA website at orcma.org or by calling 865-483-5569. The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association is a proud participant in the Penny4Arts initiative, providing free admission to all Oak Ridge Civic Music Association concerts during the 2018–2019 season for Youth 18 & Under.

Additional seasonal support for the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association is provided by Spectra Tech, Bill Schwenterly, the Feldman Family, the University of Tennessee - Battelle/Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Tennessee Arts Commission and WUOT FM 91.9.