Whether on stage at Severance Hall with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra or in the orchestra pit
for touring Broadway shows at Playhouse Square, the musicians of the Amethyst String Trio (2
violins and cello) bring their passion for music to these and many other venues in the Greater
Cleveland area. They are among Cleveland’s most active and versatile musicians and
educators. They are equally at ease playing Classical repertoire, Gershwin, Sinatra, Coldplay,
Beatles. They have provided back-up music for a wide variety of performers such as Rod
Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, Barry Manilow, Smokey Robinson and Mannheim Steamroller and The
Who. Their diverse musical life includes performances at weddings, churches and synagogues,
even symphonic concerts of Video Game Music. Their concerts take the audience on a musical
journey from the Classics to music from Downton Abbey, Simon and Garfunkel and the Trans-
Siberian Orchestra!
A great believer in the power of music to heal and inspire, the Amethyst String Trio is dedicated
to the mission of bringing live music up close and personal to those who might not otherwise
experience it. Several trio members are thrilled to be part of MetroHealth’s Arts in Medicine
Department where they enhance patient experience with all genres of music. Several are
devoted teachers, believing that music is an integral part of the learning spectrum as it promotes discipline, teamwork and creativity.
Founder of the Amethyst String Trio, violinist Mary Beth Ions passionately believes live music
goes to places in the heart that words cannot. In a world where we often search for meaning
and clarity, music transcends the confusion and helps us find solace and wisdom.
