Northeast Ohio
Serving Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
Viva la Strings Northeast Ohio kickstarted in 2021 and has already become a premier live music provider for weddings, private parties, community and corporate events, and more! From the bustle of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to the serene calm of Cuyahoga Valley, we will compliment your special day with the perfect live soundtrack to bring your event to life!
Northeast Ohio Featured Musicians
As Manager of Viva la Strings Cleveland, Christopher books and oversees highly talented musicians that specialize in playing weddings and events throughout Northeast Ohio. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Cedarville University and Master of Music degree from Kent State University’s Hugh A. Glauser School of Music. He occasionally sits as a section violist in the Heights Chamber Orchestra in Cleveland.
Violin/Viola/Piano
Christopher DeShields
Alyssa Csepe
Alyssa has been playing violin for 14 years and graduated with her Bachelor’s in Music from Kent state in May of 2021. She’s held many different positions in the orchestra, including assistant concertmaster. She also teaches at Larry’s school of music and has her own studio in Mansfield. She is very involved in playing violin at her church and loves blessing others through music.
Violin
Liz Kitts
Liz Kitts is a fourth-generation professional violinist and has been playing since she was 18 months old. Liz Kitts has been Concertmaster of the Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra at Stetson University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance. Along with her classical training, she has performed in a multitude of genres appearing with artists such as Rod Stewart, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Michael Buble, Mannheim Steamroller, Sting, Adam Levine, Martina McBride, Johnny Mathis, Frankie Valli, Weird Al, and The Who.
Violin
Gillian Derhammer
Gillian Derhammer has been a cellist for 14 years and is passionate about performing chamber music. She has performed at Porthouse Theater, Mansfield Symphony, and other private venues. In addition to performing, Gillian teaches private cello lessons and loves the challenges that presents. She holds a BM in Cello Performance from Kent State University and has received multiple scholarships and awards for her excellence in musicianship.
Cello
Ana Marija
Ana started studying with professional harp teachers when she was 12, graduated from the Jovan Bandur Music School in Pancevo, and received her Masters degree in harp performance from the University of Belgrade in 2013; during her training, she ranked very high in many of the national and international harp competitions in which she participated, receiving first place at the 2010 International Harp Competition in Slovenia. Ana Marija is also a harp teacher. She has recorded three albums featuring Christian worship songs and classical pieces on the harp, and has participated in a number of orchestral and collaborative album recordings.
Harp
