ESO gears up for new season with new director

Rochelle Hylton, President, Euclid Symphony Board of Directors; Matthew Salvaggio, Music Director, Euclid Symphony Orchestra; and Euclid Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail pose for a photo following the orchestra's children's concert on May 11.

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The Euclid Symphony Orchestra is welcoming a new conductor this fall along with new music and old favorites in their regular performances at Shore Cultural Centre.

Matthew Salvaggio will be the new Music Director for the 56-year-old community ensemble and will make his debut as music director in the group's fall classical concert at 3 p.m. on Oct. 29 at the Shore Cultural Centre. Salvaggio, who currently serves as Director of Bands of Hiram College and is the director of Music for the University Heights Symphonic Band, said he enjoys working with community groups.

"I think there's something really special about getting to work with a group of musicians who largely practice music as a hobby, and who dedicate a portion of their free time to come to rehearsals and play concerts," he said. "The ESO has a long and rich history, and I'm really looking forward to being a part of it."

Salvaggio said he hopes to offer new music that many members may not have heard or played before, but said the pieces are designed to please both advanced players and novices alike. He said working with a community ensemble including musicians with varying skill levels can be a challenge, but one he's prepared to meet.

"In a lot of community groups, there can be a wide range of musical abilities, and so for me, it's really important that I try to bring something to the rehearsal for everyone," he said. "Whether they've only been playing for a short while, or for many years."

Salvaggio was introduced to the orchestra this spring when he served as a guest conductor for a free concert for Euclid school students on May 11. Euclid Mayor Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail also took a turn conducting and meeting with students at the concert. Salvaggio and the orchestra worked well together to provide a fun afternoon for Euclid students and the orchestra board is excited to work with him this upcoming season. Salvaggio said he is also looking forward to the new post.

"There's so much great stuff going on this season," he said. "We have some really great music and top-notch soloists lined up -  it's really going to be different from previous ESO concerts."

The orchestra is always open to new members of all abilities who are able to read printed music. Rehearsals are at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Shore Centre. The orchestra is also seeking donations and advertisers for their annual program as it begins its 2017-2018 season. if you'd like to join the orchestra or make a donation, please visit the web site at EuclidSymphonyOrchestra.com or contact President Rochelle Hylton at 216-577-8527.