Suburban Symphony Orchestra

The Suburban Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is a community orchestra based in Beachwood, Ohio, serving the greater Cleveland area. Founded in 1955, the SSO has a rich history of providing free concerts to the public and fostering musical talent within the community. Over the years, the orchestra has grown from a small group of eight friends, all amateur musicians from Glenville and John Adam’s High Schools, to a well-respected ensemble that continues to thrive today. In its early years, the orchestra's performances were held at various locations including Highland View Hospital, the VA Hospital, and Mayland Theater in Mayfield Heights. It wasn't until 1965 that the SSO found its permanent home at Beachwood High School, where it still performs. The SSO's leadership has played a crucial role in its development. The inaugural season was conducted by Leo Esral, a classmate of the founding members. Following Esral, Robert C. Weiskopf, a businessman and Eastman School of Music graduate, led the orchestra from 1956 to 1979. Under his direction, the SSO became a respected community orchestra with high musical standards and established connections with the Cleveland Orchestra. After Weiskopf's tenure, Martin Kessler took the helm from 1980 to 2018. Kessler, a Harvard University graduate, former director of Harvard’s Bach Society Orchestra and Leverett House Orchestra, and a student of renowned conductors Robert Shaw and James Levine, brought enthusiasm and a penchant for challenging repertoire to the SSO. He also held positions as director of music at University School Hunting Valley Campus and music director of Choral Arts Cleveland. In 2018, Domenico Boyagian was chosen to lead the orchestra, bringing with him innovative programming ideas and a dynamic approach to conducting. Boyagian's tenure has been marked by high levels of musicality and energy, continuing the tradition of excellence that the SSO is known for. The orchestra's mission is to provide free concerts of the world's greatest music to the community. It offers five free concerts per season on Sunday afternoons, in addition to a bonus summer concert. The SSO's repertoire includes symphonic masterworks, lesser-known gems, and features exceptional soloists. Its programming is innovative, with family concerts, school outreach, and collaborations with other groups to cater to a diverse audience. The SSO is composed of members from various professions, including music professionals, educators, physicians, attorneys, scientists, engineers, business professionals, arts professionals, students, and even a master tailor. They are united by a commitment to excellence and a passion for music, willingly sacrificing Wednesday evenings, a time typically reserved for watching "Jeopardy," for rehearsals and the joy of performance. For those interested in joining the SSO, the orchestra actively recruits players, especially for the string sections. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings at Beachwood High School, and new members are accepted throughout the season. Prospective musicians are invited to attend rehearsals and are required to perform a brief audition. The Suburban Symphony Orchestra stands as a testament to the power of community and the arts, continuing to enrich the cultural landscape of the Cleveland area for over six decades.