Join composer, Chris Neiner, and the talented musicians from Stars in the Classics for a special performance of his original composition "Tales of Euclid Beach Park".
Neiner writes:
Tales of Euclid Beach Park is my third work for the stupendous musicians of Stars in the Classics. This piece takes inspiration from Euclid Beach Park, a beloved Cleveland amusement park that operated from 1895 to 1969. Under the Humphrey family’s direction, the park became known for its attractions and iconic confections.
The opening movement, The Arch and Grand Carousel, captures the excitement of entering through the park’s grand arch—still standing today—before turning to the carousel, a 1910 masterpiece by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and now preserved at the Cleveland History Center. A Strauss-like waltz in the clarinet recalls the carousel’s band organ.
Dance pavilions were once a hallmark of Ohio amusement parks. Euclid Beach Park's pavilion was among the most impressive, boasting an 18,000-square-foot dance floor. In Swing and a Twist at the Dance Pavilion, the music traces decades of dancing, from foxtrots and ragtime to big band swing and early rock and roll.
The Pier at Sunset—Reminiscence offers a quieter moment. Originally built for ferryboats, the pier became a favorite place to stroll, fish, and watch the sun sink into Lake Erie. Author Lee Bush described the pier as a romantic setting: “From the end of the pier, the park seemed to float in the night, aglow with thousands of lights, its sounds muted by the waves meeting the beach.”
Hills, Thrills, and Flying Turns celebrates the park’s most famous roller coasters. The music captures their speed and exhilaration through racing counterpoint, sudden rises and falls, and swaying melodies. Buckle up!
Chris Neiner just won an Award of Excellence from the Ohio Arts Council for his compositions. He is pictured above with fellow musicians in this photo taken by Frank Buck at a performance at the Praxis Fiber Workshop and Gallery. The musicians are Maria Beyens, violin; Chris Neiner, piano and composer; Brendon Phelps, cello; David Chang, clarinet.
This musical performance will be accompanied with dancers. It will be followed by a discussion with composer, Chris Neiner.
This program is included with Museum General Admission.
