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From symphonies to new music to Broadway, jazz and rock, Mell Csicsila is one of Northeast Ohio's most active percussion performers. He is a featured soloist and principal percussionist of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra and is frequently seen on stage or in the pit with ensembles like Red {an orchestra} and a number of professional groups across a five state region (from NYC to Ft. Wayne, Indiana.) He is also frequently heard with Playhouse Square's Broadway Series performing for touring shows like Spamalot, Wicked, Hairspray, The Producers, and Ragtime. Mell's summers have been busy with Lyric Opera Cleveland where he has been the percussionist for a number of productions, including works by John Adams, Philip Glass, Mark Adamo, Randall Eng, and the pantheon of standard opera composers. Mell is an active teacher and has been a guest artist for the Cleveland Orchestra's Educational Activities Office since 1999.
In addition to classical music, Mell has been called upon to support popular artists and groups like The Moody Blues, Yes, Kansas, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Clay Aiken, Collin Raye, R. Carlos Nakai, Al Jarreau, Roberta Flack, Jeffrey Osborne and the ever effervescent Nueva Flamenca Guitarist Charo (a definite highlight.)
Mell can be heard on recordings on the New World and TNC labels (Grammy winning disc!) and on incidental music for the Cleveland Play House and he might also be on the hold music at Ludwig Music Publishers in Grafton, Ohio.
Beyond the regular gig work, Mell will engage in any project that he finds interesting, independent of remuneration, especially if it will stretch him beyond what he is now.
You can check out more at my Music Myspace Page
A full profile is available at my website @ STRIKINGTHINGS.COM
