Cleveland Contemporary Players

 

Founded by Professor Andrew Rindfleisch, the Cleveland Contemporary Players is an organization designed to bridge the widening gap between the professional and educational musical environments. Exploring the most vital issues relevant to contemporary music and culture, the CCP champions the living creative artist and seeks to combine the highest standard of professional performance within the environment of one of the most unique Music Composition degree programs in the country.

A vital component to the Music Composition curriculum at Cleveland State, the Cleveland Contemporary Players bring into residence the most renowned visiting artists in contemporary music; Pulitzer Prize-winning composers, world-renowned soloists, and virtuoso ensembles. Here, these remarkable guest artists, while presenting free concerts to the public, also interact with students in a number of vital ways. Through the CCP, student composers receive the unprecedented opportunity to hear their own compositions performed and recorded by resident guest artists multiple times each academic year (see Past Guest Artists for a listing of previous residencies). Unlike other colleges and conservatories, the CCP sets strict deadlines and sends the music of CSU students to the performers months in advance. Visiting artists are then contracted to prepare the music before they arrive. These opportunities are not “reading sessions”, but thoughtful, prepared performances by international figures in the field of contemporary music. Student composers also participate in workshops and master-classes, attend lectures, and even receive private lessons from important visiting composers.

Major residencies of acclaimed specialists in contemporary music occur up to 10 times per academic year, making the Music Composition program at Cleveland State one of the most active in the United States. Through the Cleveland Contemporary Players, this unusual program of study expands the educational environment, uniting curriculum and community, creating new and meaningful connections to the world of contemporary culture, and promoting interest and involvement in living music.

Comfort Inn, Downtown Cleveland, is the
Official Hotel of the Cleveland Contemporary Players.