SSO through the eyes of the community
See what our musicians and audience members have to say about being a part of the SSO community, Maestro Boyagian, and our most moving and memorable moments
A Musical Home
New member
"During my first season with the SSO, I met the first musical friends I would have in Cleveland, and they became a fundamental part of my growth as a musician."
Committed Violinist
"SSO is the only way I have made friends outside of work since moving to Cleveland. Rehearsals are a great social opportunity, and make me feel like I'm really a part of the Cleveland community. Now that I've been in SSO for a few years, I have specifically avoided job opportunities in other areas because I don't want to leave SSO."
Young and Welcome
"I was worried that since I am significantly younger than the other members I would feel awkward, but everyone is very nice and welcoming."
Recently Joined
"This is my 2nd year and I have felt especially welcome. I appreciated the first rehearsal of each cycle to welcome new members. My section and principal player made a point to get to know me and make me feel welcome."
Texting Cellist
"The texting chain created by the cello section has become a vehicle for expressing support for each other, sharing news, jokes, etc. We are a more connected section because of this."
Social Violinist
"I think the rehearsal 'happy hour' nights have been great opportunities for us to get to know each other... finish rehearsal a little early and stick around to socialize? Hell yeah!!"
Artistic Leadership
Long term member
"The caliber of our conductor is extremely high and the level of knowledge, professionalism and humor used in conducting is the best I've ever been around."
SSO Rookie
"This is my first year in the SSO. I have looked forward to every rehearsal and concert and can honestly say I am a better musician than I was at the start"
Pleasantly surprised member
"Originally, I didn't expect this group to be more than a good community orchestra. It is much more than that, and I strive to play as a 'professional.'"
Violinist
"Domenico talks about 'why' the music should be played according to his suggestions; he doesn't just say 'play it this way.' That gains the respect of the musicians."
Violin Player
"I love Domenico's focus on getting us to listen to each other - it's an amazing feeling when we stop to work on passages and he tells us 'listen to X', and then we try again and sound completely different."
Long term member
"Suburban is hands down a more serious minded and run organization and the music produced and crowds drawn to enjoy the music reflect this. There is simply the expectation of excellence from the conductor and fellow musicians and it shows"
Moments that Moved Us
Oct 2022:Faure Requiem
"Yesterday's performance was amazing. I have known and loved the Faure Requiem for many, many years, but have never seen a live performance. Yesterday was well worth the wait. 'Sublime' does not begin to describe the experience, which brought me to tears. Thank you to Maestro Domenico, the Suburban Symphony Orchestra, and members of the First Baptist Choir and organ, for a truly heart wrenching and beautiful performance."
--Audience Member
Sept 2025: Cain Park, Swords, Lords & Chords
Having the Cain Park movie music concert was an awesome venue and the repertoire was great for inviting friends and colleagues that do not normally attend orchestra concerts to come."
--Long term member
Sept 2024: Symphony and Soul Gospel Concert
"The concert brought me to tears, especially the last song. Listening to the soloist while we accompanied her and seeing the audience up out of their seats, feeling and experiencing the music was so, so moving. As the audience clapped after it was over, I saw tears in my stand partner's eyes and then so many other orchestra members too. It was an experience that I'll never forget. The power of music and being together in an unexpected and totally delightful way."
--Long Term Member
Nov 2025: Suburban Spaces Out
" I thought the 'Planets' concert we did in connection with the school, and having the kids do their presentations, was particularly meaningful and I felt proud to be part of building a connection to music for those children"
--Current Member
Feb 2026: Tchaikovsky Symphony 6
"Tchaik 6 was a highlight of the season for me. Everyone was locked in and I felt like we did the music justice."
-New member
From the audience:
💬 “…an emotional performance...."
💬 "It was hard to hold back tears..."
💬 "...moving and marvelous..."
💬 “…possibly one of the best [SSO] performances I've been to..."
SSO on the rise!
Long term member
"SSO feeds my soul...great people, great music, great conductor... easily the highlight of my week. For a few hours each week, the rest of the world just disappears and it’s all about the music"
String Player
"In recent years, more and more of my neighbors are coming to concerts and enjoying them. We are playing at a very high level and Domenico continues to challenge us"
Long Term Member
"It has been amazing to see how much the orchestra has changed and musically matured in the past few years. As we have improved, I feel like people are even more committed to the orchestra - practicing, coming to rehearsals regularly, and just generally caring about others"
Violin Player
"When my co-workers come to our concerts, it's the talk of the office water cooler the next Monday"