CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Orchestra faced some unprecedented challenges in 2020. 

But members of the orchestra had an Independence Day weekend like no other, as its members set to perform in front of a live audience at full strength after a long layoff.

What You Need To Know

  • The Cleveland Orchestra performed over Fourth of July weekend at full force at Blossom Music Center
  • It was the first time the full orchestra performed in front of a live audience in over a year

  • Katherine Bormann is a violinist in the Cleveland Orchestra and was excited to be back

Making music has been a lifelong passion for Katherine Bormann. 

“I don’t think I can imagine my life without music actually. I think it’s one of the greatest gifts that humans have. I think it’s one of the most special art forms,” said Bormann.

It all started at a young age for the violinist who grew up surrounded by music. 

“I grew up just in a household that loved music. My mom was a pianist and a music therapist and my dad and his whole side of the family did theatre and musical theatre.” 

She became the first in her family to join an orchestra when she landed a dream job in Cleveland.

The music softened in 2020 when the pandemic closed down music venues like Blossom.

For Bormann and members of the orchestra, that was a major challenge. 

“We’re so used to being with each other, rehearsing, in the same buses, in the same airplanes, in the same hotels on tour. We have a lot of time together as an orchestra and so it was disconcerting and honestly depressing to be apart from that,” said Bormann.  

The orchestra returned on the Fourth of July weekend in front of a live audience for the first time in more than a year. It was a moment the orchestra has eagerly awaited. 

“Fantastic. I’ve been super excited for weeks now.  I’ve been thrilled. Last night, it was just hard even to go to sleep, so this is extremely exciting and moving to see everybody again,” said Bormann.  

And Bormann is thankful for those she’ll soon be playing in front of for helping the orchestra make it through the pandemic. 

“This orchestra exists because of Cleveland, because of the Cleveland community who loves music as much as we do. So we have been very, very lucky in this orchestra and we’re grateful every day for our northeast Ohio friends.” 

The sound of music returning couldn’t be sweeter for those who bring it to life.