Cinematic Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Christmas at the Movies’  

by Dan Holland 

Cleveland’s own Cinematic Symphony Orchestra is one of the few such ensembles in the nation dedicated fully to the art of performing movie soundtrack music. The nonprofit group, founded in 2023 by Dr. Andrew Keller, is currently preparing to present its performance of “Christmas at the Movies” on Dec. 21 at Cleveland’s Maltz Performing Arts Center. It is a “sister orchestra” to the Video Game Symphony of Cleveland. 

Andrew Perkins serves as Chief Development Officer for the orchestra. He is also the choir and music director at Broadview Heights Baptist Church, an institution he has attended since age 5. 

“I was brought up primarily as a church musician,” said Perkins. “I received my first music training from my father, who is a very talented clarinetist, and I am also a clarinetist. I have a deep-seeded love of sacred music and classical music.” 

Perkins began his own classical and sacred music group several years ago called The Serenity Chamber Players. The group will be performing a number of Christmas concerts at Northeast Ohio churches in December. 

Perkins, a licensed CPA, who lives in Parma with wife Hannah and their three sons, believes there is something special and unifying about Christmas music in particular. 

“I think what’s amazing about Christmas music, is that it brings people together, and it has really brought the orchestra together as well,” said Perkins. “The holiday classics and the feel-good stories that you get in Christmas movies really inspires some of the most beautiful and heart-touching moments in cinematic music.” 

“In rehearsals, you may be playing something from The Muppet Christmas Carol, and it tugs at your childhood heartstrings a little bit,” he added. “You may remember watching that movie or others for the first time, and now when you’re playing the music, it brings back those memories in a way that is just so gratifying. And it’s so much fun from the performance side.” 

The orchestra, which includes more than 50 members, performed its first concert: “Superheroes – Live in Concert,” on Oct. 19 at the Maltz Performing Arts Center. Many of the orchestra members dressed up as a favorite superhero for the performance, including Perkins, who appeared as Batman. The group also features 15-20 choir members. 

For information or tickets, visit cinematicsymphony.org.