This month, Cleveland Institute of Music will add two more musical legends to its list of honorary doctorates at the 86th commencement ceremony, to be held May 14 at Kulas Hall.
CIM president Joel Smirnoff will confer 155 bachelor and master of music degrees, doctor of musical arts degrees, artist certificates, artist diplomas and professional studies diplomas during the ceremony, where violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman and his wife, Toby Lynn, will give the commencement address and receive honorary degrees.
Itzhak Perlman, who enjoys the kind of superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician, performed at the inauguration of President Barack Obama, received the Medal of Liberty from President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton. Mr. Perlman also performs as a conductor with leading orchestras. This year marks this third season as artistic director with the Westchester Philharmonic Orchestra. Toby Lynn Perlman is an arts and education advocate and is a frequent guest speaker for educational institutions such as public television, the University of Michigan, Julliard School and Chamber Music America.
The Perlmans, both violinists, founded the Perlman Music Program with the belief that the talent of young musicians must be supported. Within its first ten years, the program, also called "Toby's Dream," has emerged as a valuable international music education asset. Two members of CIM's resident Cavani String Quartet are on the faculty of the Perlman Music Program.
While the commencement ceremony is not open to the public, CIM will hold its honors convocation on Friday, May 13 at 4:30 pm in Mixon Hall. The event honors student and alumni achievement and features live musical performances. Recognized at this year's convocation are alumni Maurice Kaplow, recently retired from the New York City Ballet; Major Dwayne S. Milburn, assigned to the U.S. Army Band's "Pershing's Own;" and Margo Tatgenhorst Drakos, co-founder and COO of InstantEncore.com. The convocation is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call 216-791-4000 x411.
