WKSU News: The Cleveland Orchestra's residency begins in Slavic Village

Sunday, March 22, 2015 The Cleveland Orchestra's residency begins in Slavic Village For the third year in a row, the Orchestra leaves Severance Hall for a neighborhood setting by WKSU's KABIR BHATIA	Reporter Kabir Bhatia

The Orchestra's Carol Lee Iott (left) and Councilman Zack Reed were at the residency's kick-off Saturday, at the Bohemian National Hall

Courtesy of K. Bhatia

The Cleveland Orchestra kicked off its neighborhood residency this weekend. This spring, the Orchestra is in Slavic Village. WKSU’s Kabir Bhatia reports.

The Cleveland Orchestra's residency begins in Slavic Village

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It took about 10 minutes for the Orchestra to distribute all the free tickets for its third annual neighborhood residency. Slavic Village native John Robinson says having the Orchestra in his neighborhood, as it digs out of the foreclosure crisis, is a badge of honor.

“[It] means that we’ve come quite a bit of ways. From them recognizing that we’re up-an-coming and we’re doing a lot of positive things in the community -- that means a great deal to Slavic Village. And not only the development, but the people in the neighborhood.”

In previous years, the “Best Band in the Land” visited Gordon Square and Lakewood. Organizers say Slavic Village’s diversity and revitalization drew them here. This year’s residency includes 10 musical performances in April and May.

At the launch Saturday, Orchestra Operations Manager Carol Lee Iott said Slavic Village was also chosen for its ethnic connections to classical music. And she adds that the residency is not just about music, but also about experiencing the neighborhood.

“We will also be taking place in the pierogi dash, which is the 5K run that is on June 7. And we're also looking to do an event through the Velodrome, which is the cycling track right next door to the Bohemian National Hall. And what's important to Slavic Village is health and wellness, and we have many members of the Orchestra and staff who are very much into that and we'll look to support that as well.”

Iott adds that orchestra members will also help collect supplies for a local homeless shelter.