Concert to honor Klaus George Roy

A concert in honor of Klaus George Roy’s 85th birthday will take place at St. Paul’s Church, 2747 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland, on Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. The concert has been organized by Karel Paukert, organist at St. Paul’s Church, and Eric Kisch, host of “Musical Passions” broadcast on WCLV-FM, who will act as master of ceremonies.

The concert will feature compositions by Klaus George Roy, who in addition to being a prolific and widely performed composer, was the former editor and program note annotator of the Cleveland Orchestra for 30 years. Roy has conducted hundreds of radio interviews with noted performers and has lectured widely on musical topics. A published author and poet, Roy also has an estimable reputation as a witty raconteur. He has graciously agreed to introduce each composition.

The compositions will be performed by leading Cleveland artists who are friends of Roy’s and who are donating their services. The concert will encompass instrumental and vocal selections. The first half will take place in Tucker Hall and the second half in the main church. A reception will follow the concert and all are invited to attend. Admission is free.

Musicians who will be participating include sopranos Noriko Fujii and Natasha Ospina; Sean Gabriel, flute, Margi Griebling-Haigh and Danna Sundet, oboe; Carolyn and Stephen Warner, violin; Marsha Ferrito, viola; Diane Mather, cello; and Karel Paukert, organ. In addition, the vocal ensemble of St. Paul’s Church, led by Steven Plank, will perform.

Eric Kisch, producer and host of the classical weekly program Musical Passions, broadcast over WCLV-FM for the last five years, has been an avid music lover and recording collector for over 50 years.