Support for United in Song! is generously provided by Mrs. Jayne M. Zborowsky
May 16
Brian Keith Johnson is nationally acclaimed for his opera and oratorio performances and his “powerful presence” and “rich and gleaming” voice.
He has received raves for performances with The Cleveland Orchestra, Akron Symphony Orchestra, Blossom Festival Orchestra, New Opera Festival di Roma Orchestra in Rome, Italy, Canton Symphony, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Springfield Orchestra, Carolina Master Chorale, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Porthouse Theatre, Cleveland Opera, Lyric Opera Cleveland, The San Jose Ballet and The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
Area audiences know Brian from appearances with the WPO and star roles in Opera Western Reserve’s productions of Porgy and Bess, The Barber of Seville, La Bohème, Pagliacci, La Traviata, Madame Butterfly, Carmen, and The Marriage of Figaro.
Born and raised in Warren, Brian received his bachelor’s degree from The University of Akron. He studied abroad at The New Opera Academy of Rome in Italy and at The American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. In 2018 Brian was inducted into the Warren City Schools Alumni Hall of Fame.
Brian is in his 30th year as a music teacher for The Akron Public School System, where he teaches general music at Findley CLC.
Gregory Ristow, artistic director
The Cleveland Chamber Choir provides audiences with exceptional performances of diverse repertoire, emphasizing the works of composers historically excluded from the concert hall. Since its founding in 2015, the choir has won acclaim for its inclusive programming, partnerships with community charities, pedagogical outreach, and free concerts that ensure everyone can hear world-class professional choral singing. Under the leadership of artistic director Gregory Ristow, all the ensemble’s members are professional singers who currently reside in Northeast Ohio.
https://clevelandchamberchoir.org/
Jon C. Peterson, artistic director
Founded in 1988, the Hudson Community Choruses enrich the cultural life of Hudson and the surrounding region through exceptional choral performance and music education. Under the leadership of Jon C. Peterson, the organization comprises three ensembles spanning more than 150 singers from second grade through adult and representing 20 communities. Supported by a dedicated board and committed volunteers, the Hudson Community Choruses continue to cultivate a thriving, inclusive community of singers united by a shared passion for choral music.
https://www.hudsonsings.org/
Dr. William Henry Caldwell, music directorSteven Weems, conductor
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Chorus is a volunteer community chorus assembled each year since 1989 to sing as part of The Cleveland Orchestra’s annual MLK Celebration Concert. Bringing together singers from across Northeast Ohio, the Chorus lifts its collective voices in affirmation of Dr. King’s vision of justice, peace, and human harmony. First assembled by Alvin Parris, the Chorus has been prepared and assembled by William Henry Caldwell for the past decade.
In addition to its performance during The Cleveland Orchestra’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Concert, the ensemble has sung at Tri-C’s Creative Arts Academy and at Cleveland Cavaliers and Guardians games.
Membership each year in the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Chorus is open to singers from throughout Northeast Ohio, with a requirement to attend all rehearsals in January.
Jim Koenig, music director
The Singing Angels is one of Cleve-land’s most treasured performing arts organizations. Founded in 1964 by William C. Boehm, their mission is to encourage, foster, and cultivate positive youth development, guided by the motto “Make Music, Make Friends, Make a Difference.” The group’s remarkable history includes concerts in the United States and 38 countries abroad, TV broadcasts, and performances for popes and presidents. In May 2026, The Singing Angels celebrate their 62nd anniversary of inspiring audiences and helping shape the citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
https://singingangels.org/
Join us for an afternoon of joyous vocal performances at Severance Music Center representing the rich diversity of the Greater Cleveland choral community. The event is hosted by nationally acclaimed baritone and retired Akron Public School District teacher Brian Keith Johnson._________________________________
Please note: the start time of this event is now 1 PM (previously 2PM).
If you purchased tickets before Feb 24, 2026, they are still valid and will be accepted at the event. The time listed is also automatically updated in the TCO app.
If you would like tickets with the updated time, please contact the Ticket Office at 216-231-1111 or email boxoffice@clevelanorchestra.com.
Download The Cleveland Orchestra App, and explore upcoming concerts, purchase tickets with seat selection, and manage your tickets digitally. You’ll also get access to performance updates and helpful notifications.
Below is a list of the features and services available in at Severance for this concert. You may also request assistance in advance of a concert by calling the Severance Ticket Office at 216-231-1111 or 800-686-1141 or create a request using the button below.
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