By Ivan Gomez
The eagerly awaited Blossom Music Festival is back this year with a special event dedicated to the Hispanic community. The Cleveland Orchestra is proud to present an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie at the Knight Grove on Saturday, August 26, 2023, in a unique experience that combines a delightful dinner with an exceptional concert.
The gathering will begin with a magnificent opportunity for attendees to personally meet the talented musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra, as well as the special hosts of the evening, including José Feliciano Sr., Iris Harvie, Richard Levitz, Maria Pujana, and Patricia Smith. The evening promises to be a celebration of music and culture in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The highlight of the night will be the music program entitled “Impressions of France and Spain”, which will start promptly at 7:00 pm. Under the direction of maestro Fabien Gabel, accompanied by the talented violinist Simone Lamsma, the repertoire will be filled with magic and emotion:
1. Ravel – Alborada del gracioso A captivating piece that paints a musical portrait of life in Spain, with its vibrant rhythms and lively colors.
2. Saint-Saëns – Violin Concerto No. 3 Simone Lamsma’s virtuosity will be evident in this exquisite performance of Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3, a masterpiece of the classical repertoire.
3. De Falla – The Three-Cornered Hat, Suite No. 2 Spanish folklore comes to life through Manuel de Falla’s lush music in a suite full of passion and energy.
4. Ravel – Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2 The program will culminate with the emotional Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloé, a work that will transport us to evocative and mysterious landscapes.
Relaxing under the stars while enjoying the atmospheric sounds of French Impressionist music, interspersed with Spanish melodies and rhythms, will be an experience to remember. Ravel and De Falla’s works offer an exciting journey filled with colors, passion, and dance contrasts.
Access to the event will be available for those who prefer to enjoy from the covered pavilion seats and those who opt to sit on the lawn. The ticket prices are very accessible, with admission for adults including dinner at Knight Grove for $35, while children under 18 can attend for free.
The schedule for the event is as follows: gates will open at 4:30 pm to allow access to the dinner, which will be served starting at 5:00 pm. The presentation with the musicians and hosts is scheduled for 6:00 pm, and the much-anticipated concert will begin promptly at 7:00 pm.
Please note that the deadline for reservations is August 12, 2023. Additionally, attendees will have free parking access at Lots C/D/E, just a 5-minute walk from the Covered Pavilion. Free tram transport will also be provided from the lots to the main entrance. Once at the venue, golf carts will be available to transport attendees to Knight Grove and the Covered Pavilion. It’s important to mention that parking will be free for reservations made before August 12; after this date, regular parking fees will apply on a first-come, first-served basis.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this magical evening in the company of The Cleveland Orchestra and the Hispanic community! Reserve your tickets as soon as possible and get ready for an unforgettable musical experience!