ENCORE is basically heaven on earth…
Life in music truly doesn’t get much better.
THE PLAIN DEALER | ZACHARY LEWIS
Mission
To provide the world’s finest pre-professional musicians intensive learning experiences with exceptional artist-teachers and cultural thinkers, and to inspire Northeast Ohio audiences through innovative classical music performances.
Vision
We aspire to reshape the future of classical music to be inclusive, collaborative, and holistic. We also aspire to become a leading institution in Northeast Ohio for larger cultural conversations through the lens of music, innovate in the field of performing arts, and to educate the next generation of musicians to become dedicated and conscientious artist-citizens and leaders.
Programming
Music & Ideas Festival
Summer Academy
3 Weeks | 40+ Public Events | 75+ Young Musicians
Learn from world-class faculty.
Perform in professional settings.
Grow as an artist and community member.
ENCORE-Gates Mills Music & Ideas Festival is a summer season of arts-inspired learning through chamber music. During the course of the 3-week Festival, ENCORE will host 40+ public events for audiences of all ages in Northeast Ohio, including concerts, discussion panels, masterclasses, yoga classes, and community engagement programs in nursing homes and youth camps. The festival takes place in conjunction with the Summer Academy, an intensive performance and leadership training program for young musicians. 80+ violinists, violists and cellists ages 13 to 26 are selected from a wide pool of applicants to study and perform with ENCORE’s artist faculty.
By bringing creative thinkers and learners together, ENCORE aspires to form shared bonds of lifelong learning among our community of artists, students, and audiences.
OUR PEOPLE
Founder
Jinjoo Cho, Founder
Born in Seoul and raised in Cleveland, violinist Jinjoo Cho founded ENCORE Chamber Music Institute in 2015 to reimagine how young artists experience mentorship and collaboration. A globe-trotting soloist and Gold Medalist of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Jinjoo is also Associate Professor of Violin at Northwestern University, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artist-citizens. Combining her global perspective with a deep commitment to her hometown, she has built a vibrant community where artistry, empathy, and innovation intersect.
Our People
Founder
Jinjoo Cho, Founder
Born in Seoul and raised in Cleveland, violinist Jinjoo Cho founded ENCORE Chamber Music Institute in 2015 to reimagine how young artists experience mentorship and collaboration. A globe-trotting soloist and Gold Medalist of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Jinjoo is also Associate Professor of Violin at Northwestern University, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artist-citizens. Combining her global perspective with a deep commitment to her hometown, she has built a vibrant community where artistry, empathy, and innovation intersect.
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Jarrod Hartzler
SECRETARY
Mary Holmes
TREASURER
Charles Wellman
Undersecretary
Joseph Kromholz
Directors
Phylis Ferrara
Anne Hunter
William Lavigna
Peter Liou
Murlan J. Murphy, Jr
Dede Storer
Shuai Wang
Ex-Officio Member
Jinjoo Cho
Administrative Team
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ADVISORY COMMITTEE
To Be Announced January 2026
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
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ADVISORY COMMITTEE
To Be Announced January 2026
Partners & Sponsors
Cynthia Parker Matthews Family Foundation
Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation
Chris Haff-Paluck Memorial Fund
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ENCORE Chamber Music Institute’s
Digital Concert Hall
"ENCORE is basically heaven on Earth…
Life in music truly doesn't get much better.”
THE PLAIN DEALER | ZACHARY LEWIS
To provide the world’s finest pre-professional musicians intensive learning experiences with exceptional artist-teachers and cultural thinkers, and to inspire Northeast Ohio audiences through innovative classical music performances.
We aspire to reshape the future of classical music to be inclusive, collaborative, and holistic. We also aspire to become a leading institution in Northeast Ohio for larger cultural conversations through the lens of music, innovate in the field of performing arts, and to educate the next generation of musicians to become dedicated and conscientious artist-citizens and leaders.
Music & Ideas Festival & Summer Academy
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ENCORE-Gates Mills Music & Ideas Festival is a summer season of arts-inspired learning through chamber music. During the course of the 3-week Festival, ENCORE will host 40+ public events for audiences of all ages in Northeast Ohio, including concerts, discussion panels, masterclasses, yoga classes, and community engagement programs in nursing homes and youth camps. The festival takes place in conjunction with the Summer Academy, an intensive performance and leadership training program for young musicians. 80+ violinists, violists and cellists ages 13 to 26 are selected from a wide pool of applicants to study and perform with ENCORE’s artist faculty.
By bringing creative thinkers and learners together, ENCORE aspires to form shared bonds of lifelong learning among our community of artists, students, and audiences.
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ENCORE in CLE Residencies
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ENCORE in CLE is a year-round community residencies presented in collaboration with organizations that benefit historically underserved populations throughout Northeast Ohio.
Learn More
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ENCORE on Tour
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ENCORE on Tour presents “ENCORE-style” residencies of masterclasses, community events, and formal performances with our artists & alumni in collaboration with esteemed arts organizations around the world.
Learn More
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ENCORE Chamber Music Institute was founded in 2015 by world-renowned violin soloist Jinjoo Cho to provide an opportunity to experience classical music innovation and to support its most promising future leaders. In the past 9 years, ENCORE has hosted hundreds of pre-professional string players ages 13-26 as well as world-class artists who are devoted to shaping the next generation of professional performers.
ENCORE is committed to:
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Broadening the definition of chamber music by presenting interdisciplinary projects that combine classical music with other genres
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Making connections by tying musical programs & academic conversations around a central theme such as climate change, racial justice, & disability in the arts
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Presenting works by composers of underrepresented groups including women, racial minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of minority sexual orientation or minority gender identity.
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Teaching the next generation of young string players to explore the farthest reaches of their intellect and passion, establishing a foundation for the lifelong journey in music
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MISSION
To provide the world’s finest pre-professional musicians intensive learning experiences with exceptional artist-teachers and cultural thinkers, and to inspire Northeast Ohio audiences through innovative classical music performances.
VISION
We aspire to reshape the future of classical music to be inclusive, collaborative, and holistic. We also aspire to become a leading institution in Northeast Ohio for larger cultural conversations through the lens of music, innovate in the field of performing arts, and to educate the next generation of musicians to become dedicated and conscientious artist-citizens and leaders.