FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2026

Arleigh Savage
programs@heightsarts.org

Heights Arts Announces its 2026-2027 Music Season, Celebrates Close Encounters 20^th Anniversary

Cleveland Heights, Ohio — Heights Arts, a multidisciplinary arts nonprofit in the heart of Cleveland Heights, announces their 2026-2027 music season, including three signature concert series that showcase the exceptional musicianship and creative spirit of Northeast Ohio’s music community. From chamber music and classical masterworks to jazz, world music, and global traditions, this season offers inspiring performances in intimate settings that create meaningful connection through live music.

Close Encounters Chamber Music Series
The season marks the 20th anniversary of Close Encounters, Heights Arts’ acclaimed chamber music series, featuring world-class musicians from the Cleveland Orchestra and beyond. The anniversary lineup opens October 18 with Amy Lee and Friends before continuing on February 28 with The Bryden Chamber Players: Celebrating Schubert: His Life in Letters and Music, an engaging program that pairs musical performed with an engaging look at the composer’s story via letters and contemporary accounts. In the spring, guest favorites, Joshua Smith and The Omni Quartet, join for a collaborative concert on April 25. The season concludes on May 23 with Dvořák & Fauré: Voices of Romantic Chamber Music, featuring Cleveland Orchestra Concertmaster Joel Link, in a program celebrating two giants of the Romantic era. Heights Arts Director, Rachel Bernstein reflects, “To be celebrating Close Encounters’ 20^th Anniversary is a testament to our incredibly loyal musicians, private home-owners, and audiences who have supported this series over these many years. With most of our concerts still selling out, and having featured over 200 elite performers, we know that this special series will continue to speak to musicians and audiences alike into the future.” Held in exceptional spaces and private homes, audience members are treated to a one-of-a-kind musical experiences throughout the season. Season tickets go on sale August 31.

Close Encounters Open Rehearsals
Heights Arts will continue to provide the rare opportunity for students and adults to glimpse the process of preparing a Close Encounters performance prior to some 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.  Scheduled rehearsal dates are Tuesday, February 23 at 6:00pm at Heights Arts, with more likely added throughout the season.

Gallery Concerts
This popular series returns to the Heights Arts’ space on Lee Road, offering free performances that immerse audiences in exceptional music surrounded by contemporary visual art. Concerts include: Kirsten Docter and the Pandan String Quartet on October 3, West African fusion trio, the Zerbo Brothers, on February 6, and concludes with Alla Boara’s Scossa Quartet, whose fresh interpretations of Italian folk music blend centuries-old traditions with contemporary jazz influences on April 17.

ARTBAR Series
Returning for another season, ARTbar transforms the Heights Arts gallery into an intimate cocktail lounge where guests can enjoy entertaining live music alongside ARTtinis, specially crafted cocktails and mocktails inspired by the arts. The series includes the Horizon Trio featuring acclaimed trumpeter and composer Garrett Folger with pianist Anthony Fuoco and drummer/percussionist Carmen Castaldi on September 10; J.J. Vicars & The Desiatos on January 28, whose blues-driven Rock ‘n’ Roll Boogie captures the raw spirit and soul of classic American music; and concludes on June 10 with Global Connections, a world-fusion collective whose high-energy performances showcase music of the Latin and African diasporas.

TICKETS: For more information, to purchase tickets, or reserve seats visit heightsarts.org

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Founded in 2000, Heights Arts (www.heightsarts.org) is a nonprofit, multi-disciplinary arts organization whose mission is to celebrate the region’s literary, musical, and visual artists and share their contributions with the community. We cultivate a strong, diverse, and collaborative arts community by inspiring people of all ages to engage in the arts; supporting the arts through education; providing exhibition and performance opportunities; and fostering public appreciation for the arts.