Composer Chris Neiner and members of Stars in Classics will perform with the Ohio Contemporary Ballet at the Cleveland History CenterCleveland-based composer, pianist, and entrepreneur Chris Neiner and the musicians from Stars in the Classics will perform Neiner’s original composition, "Tales of Euclid Beach Park" tomorrow, Thursday, June 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center, 10825 East Boulevard, 44106.

The concert will be performed by musicians Maria Beyens, violin; Brendan Phelps, cello; Justin Wisner, clarinet; and Chris Neiner, piano.

The performance will also include Ohio Contemporary Ballet dancers Lieneke Matte and Antonio Morillo. The event is being jointly presented as part of Cleveland History Center’s America250 celebration.

Composer, pianist, and entrepreneur Chris Neiner.“Tales of Euclid Beach Park is my third work for the stupendous musicians of Stars in the Classics,” writes Neiner. “This piece takes inspiration from Euclid Beach Park—a beloved Cleveland amusement park that operated from 1895 to 1969. Under the Humphrey family’s direction, the park became known for its attractions and iconic confections.”

Neiner says the opening movement, “The Arch and Grand Carousel,” evokes the experience of entering the park under the grand arch—still standing today—before encountering the carousel.

The movement captures both the excitement of entering the park and encounering the 1910 carousel masterpiece by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, which is now preserved at the Cleveland History Center. A Strauss-like waltz on the clarinet recalls the carousel’s band organ.

Neiner won an Ohio Arts Council Individual Award of Excellence in February.

Members of the Ohio Contemporary Ballet perform 'Light Rain.'The performance will be staged in front of the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel at the Cleveland History Center and will be followed by a discussion with Neiner.

The program is included with Museum General Admission, ranging from $10 to $15. WRHS members receive free admission. Beer, wine, soda, and light snacks will be available for purchase.

Guests are invited to arrive early to ride the Grand Carousel and explore all of the exhibits at the Cleveland History Center. The museum is open on Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.