For more than 40 years, Dr. Ronald and Eugenia Strauss have had an indelible impact on the Cleveland arts scene in music, dance, theatre and arts education. Their passion for the arts and collaborative efforts have significantly enriched the cultural vitality of Northeast Ohio.
In 2004, the couple founded CityMusic Cleveland to provide free concerts for people throughout the city and beyond who might not otherwise afford to attend the multitude of great musical offerings in the area. Since then, the organization has provided access to first-class musical performances for more than 500,000 residents of Greater Cleveland at no cost while generating significant economic impact on the various neighborhoods and venues in which performances were held.
“Over the past 20 years, CityMusic Cleveland has thrived under their leadership, bringing classical music to varied and underserved neighborhoods throughout the Cleveland area,” says Daniel Gilbert, chair, Winds and Percussion Instruments Department, University of Michigan School of Music. “Their vision, passion and tireless efforts have not only enriched the cultural landscape of our city but have also set a standard for innovation, excellence and inclusivity in the arts.”
Eugenia served as Development Director for the Cleveland School of the Arts in the 1990s before proving to be a bold and innovative artistic administrator as Executive Director of CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra. She created highly artistic programming that is inspired and accessible for the organization.
A physician, Ronald runs a solo practice called Cleveland Allergy and Asthma Center. He is known for his successful treatment of patients with mild to very severe asthma and has authored many important publications in major medical journals. He is also a talented violinist who played in the World Doctors Orchestra. Prior to starting CityMusic, he served on the board of the Ohio Chamber Orchestra and was a Trustee of the Chamber Music America, where he demonstrated his knowledge of what it takes to run a chamber music organization. Ronald served as President from CityMusic’s beginning and more recently as Chairman.
“Together, Ron and Eugenia created a very special artistic space in the Cleveland arts scene, where talented freelance musicians and itinerant teachers exchange ideas and support one another,” says Miho Hashizume, violinist, The Cleveland Orchestra. “Many CityMusic alumni have since taken positions in major institutions such as The Cleveland Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, as well as the acclaimed Verona String Quartet and the former Linden Quartet.”
Mark Andreini, partner at the law firm Jones Day, declares that CityMusic’s programming as been fearless. “They have commissioned new works focusing on important issues, such as immigration, women’s rights and genocide,” he says.
The Strauss’s passion for music has been the driving engine for CityMusic. Now, they will be stepping back from their beloved organization, where they have so generously given so much of their determination and drive to provide extraordinary classical music performances for the underserved residents of their community and to the gifted musicians who have played for CityMusic.
“The Strauss’ love of music and their commitment to share this gift with others was even extended to include educational programs for many of our areas’ underserved youth at both public and parochial schools in Cleveland,” David Krakowski, president of CityMusic’s Board of Directors, concludes. “They have been true champions whose tenacity and drive for excellence propelled forward their musical dream and managed it carefully and successfully over the past twenty years.”