Elora Kares
Cello
Cello
Style:Classical
Education:Bachelor of Music in Voice and Cello – Cleveland Institute of Music
Elora Kares is a Cleveland-based cellist and soprano studying at the Cleveland Institute of Music under cellist Si-Yan Darren Li and soprano Dina Kuznetsova-Toliver. She is a Young Artist Fellow with Apollo’s Fire, performing as both vocalist and instrumentalist. She also performs with OPUS 216 and Stars in the Classics. Elora has appeared on NPR’s From the Top and on Medici.tv with Apollo’s Fire. Additionally, she is a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award, and recently was awarded the Darius Milhaud award.
Critics have praised her “shimmering soprano voice” and expressive delivery. Kares is a prizewinner in numerous competitions, including First Prize in the 2024 Suburban Symphony Concerto Competition, the Lakeland Orchestra Concerto Competition, and the Ohio NATS Voice Competition. Recent performance highlights include singing in Apollo’s Fire’s Mozart’s Requiem: A Tapestry at Severance Hall, where she was featured as the soloist in Eric Gould’s Phillis’ Song.
In addition to performing, Elora is passionate about music education. She works with young cellists in the Cleveland Institute of Music Academy, helping students develop strong technical foundations, musical confidence, and a love of learning. Through Apollo’s Fire’s educational outreach programs, she also enjoys bringing music into schools, inspiring children through interactive performances. Elora is committed to creating a positive, encouraging environment where students of all ages and levels can grow as musicians and individuals.