Close Encounters Chamber Music Series – Season 18
Close Encounters is Heights Arts’ signature event. These Sunday afternoon chamber music concerts are performed by members of the Cleveland Orchestra and other elite performers—arguably the world’s most renowned musicians. Curated by Cleveland Orchestra cellist Dane Johansen, these performances are held in unique venues and local residences, where the audience hears the music as it was meant to be heard—up close and personal.

Close Encounters Open Rehearsals – Season 2
We are happy to continue the rare opportunity for students and adults to glimpse the process of preparing a Close Encounters performance prior to several of the concerts. This one-of-a-kind experience is not only educational but provides a deeper understanding of how a performance is put together by some of the world’s best musicians.

Continuing Conversations Special Event*
Join us for this special event after the final Close Encounters concert of the season. Mingle with the Omni Quartet and past Close Encounters performers as you enjoy wine and heavy appetizers from Sophie La Gourmande. It’s a celebration of 25 years for Heights Arts, and 18 incredible years of chamber music.

* Priority will be given to season and final concert ticket holders

PRICING:

Full Season: General $255,  Member $215

Individual Concert Ticket: General $60, Member $51

Thanks to our season sponsors
No Exit: Winter Season Event Sponsor
Luna Bakery and Café: Close Encounters Dessert Sponsor

Cleveland Violins: Open Rehearsal Sponsor
Concert Sponsors: Rachel Rawson and Charles Cowap | Marjorie Simon | Robin Blossom, in memory of Jaymi Blossom Feeney

Click here to purchase FULL SEASON tickets.

Close Encounters Season Schedule

Concert 1 | Ouvrage de Dame: Music for Winds by Women of the Gilded

Date | Time: Sunday, November 3, 2024 | 3:00 pm
Location: Heights Theater

Performers: Christina Dahl, piano, Joshua Smith, flute, Frank Rosenwein, oboe, Robert Woolfrey, clarinet, Gareth Thomas, bassoon, Nathaniel Silberschlag, french horn

Concert Sponsor: Marjorie Simon
Dessert Sponsor: Luna Bakery and Cafe

Click here to purchase CONCERT 1 tickets

Concert 2 | Bach and his Art of the Fugue

Date | Time: Sunday, February 23, 2025 | 3:00 pm
Location: Dunham Tavern Museum and Gardens

Performers: Stephen Tavani and Yun-Ting Lee, violins, William Bender, viola, Wesley Collins, viola, Dane Johansen, cello

Dessert Sponsor: Luna Bakery and Cafe
Open Rehearsal Sponsor: Cleveland Violins

Click here to purchase CONCERT 2 tickets

Concert 2 Open Rehearsal

Date | Time: Monday, February 17, 2025 | 6:00 pm

Location: Heights Arts

• Brief Q and A Session to Follow Event
• Please Note: The length of this event is dependent on the needs of the musicians. You may discreetly exit the event before it is complete if needed. 

Click here to RSVP for CONCERT 2 Open Rehearsal.

Concert 3 | Music from an Age of Empires

Date/Time: Sunday, April 13, 2025 | 3:00 pm
Location: Shaker Heights Villa

Performers: Daniel Overly, piano, Jason Yu, violin, William Bender, viola, Dane Johansen, cello

Concert Sponsors: Rachel Rawson and Charles Cowap
Dessert Sponsor: Luna Bakery and Cafe
Open Rehearsal Sponsor: Cleveland Violins

Click here to purchase CONCERT 3 tickets.

Concert 3 Open Rehearsal

Date | Time: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 6:00 pm

Location: Cleveland Violins

• Brief Q and A Session to Follow Event
• Please Note: The length of this event is dependent on the needs of the musicians. You may discreetly exit the event before it is complete if needed. 

Click here to RSVP for CONCERT 3 Open Rehearsal.

Concert 4 |Beloved Trios of Dvorak and Beethoven

Date | Time: Sunday, May 11, 2024 | 3:00 pm
Location: Heights Theater

Performers: Yaron Kohlberg, piano, Amy Lee, violin, Dane Johansen, cello

Concert Sponsor: Robin Blossom—in memory of Jaymi Blossom Feeney
Dessert Sponsor: Luna Bakery and Cafe
Open Rehearsal Sponsor: Cleveland Violins

Click here to purchase CONCERT 4 tickets.

Concert 4 Open Rehearsal

Date | Time: Friday, May 9, 2024 | 6:00 pm

Location: Heights Arts

• Brief Q and A Session to Follow Event
• Please Note: The length of this event is dependent on the needs of the musicians. You may discreetly exit the event before it is complete if needed. 

Click here to RSVP for CONCERT 4 Open Rehearsal

Concert 5 | The Omni Quartet plays Beethoven

Date | Time: Sunday, June 1, 2025 | 3:00 pm
Location: Barrie Carriage House

Performers: The Omni Quartet, violin, Amy Lee, violin, Alicia Koelz, violin, Joanna

Concert Hosts: Kathy and Dennis Barrie
Dessert Sponsor: Luna Bakery and Cafe
Open Rehearsal Sponsor: Cleveland Violins

Click here to purchase CONCERT 5  tickets

Concert 5 Open Rehearsal

Date | Time: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | 6:00 pm

Location: Heights Arts

• Brief Q and A Session to Follow Event
• Please Note: The length of this event is dependent on the needs of the musicians. You may discreetly exit the event before it is complete if needed. 

Click here to RSVP for CONCERT 5 Open Rehearsal

        Continuing Conversations

Date | Time: Sunday, June 1, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Join us for this special event after the final Close Encounters concert of the season.
Mingle with the Omni Quartet and past Close Encounters performers as you enjoy
wine and heavy appetizers from Sophie La Gourmande. It’s a celebration of 25 years
for Heights Arts, and 18 incredible years of chamber music. Priority will be given
to season and final concert ticket holders

Concert Sponsor: William Stigelman
Catering Sponsor: Sophie la Gourmande