Award-winning concert cellist plays at The Education Center

Award-winning concert cellist Steve Kramer performed March 3 for The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel. He was accompanied by renowned violinist Levi Mitze-Circiumaru.

The two musicians gave a classical music concert with commentary in between. They performed pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Michael Raven and Johan Halvorsen. Kramer's goal was to share some background on these musical composers that people know but have never taken the time to learn about. 

Originally from Copenhagen, Denmark, Kramer was raised by Soviet Jews from the former Soviet Union, Kiev Ukraine. He said he is a fifth-generation musician. Living in Sarasota, he also is a recording artist and music teacher.

Mitze-Circiumaru has played the violin since he was 8 years old studying Yan Jiang Lu, a longtime member of the Florida Orchestra. He has a bachelor's degree in music and computer science from Mercer University and a master's degree in teaching from the University of Mississippi. He now serves as the assistant principal second violinist for the Florida Orchestra.

Kramer hopes to promote young musicians by advocating for the importance of classical music, art and literature.

He will host his first "Music Salon of Sarasota" where he welcomes artists of all forms to come together as a community and appreciate different art forms together. He hopes to also give masterclasses and lectures during these events. They will be held first Sunday of the month starting April 7.