Guitarist Neil Zaza to join Cinematic Symphony Orchestra for Playhouse Square debut

The 80-piece orchestra will perform Hollywood movie music with special guest Zaza, an Akron native who has worked with Van Halen and Journey members.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:07am

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The Cinematic Symphony Orchestra, a locally based ensemble, is making its debut performance at Playhouse Square's KeyBank State Theatre on March 6, 2026. The 80-piece orchestra will be joined by guest guitarist Neil Zaza, an Akron native known for his fiery yet lyrical playing style, for a program titled "Hollywood Blockbusters" featuring music from popular movies.

Why it matters

The Cinematic Symphony Orchestra is one of the few orchestras in the world dedicated entirely to performing movie music, bringing a unique and immersive experience for audiences. Zaza's involvement as a guest musician adds an extra layer of star power and musical expertise to the performance.

The details

The Cinematic Symphony Orchestra, founded in 2023 by Kent State University professor Andrew Keller, will be performing a setlist that includes music from blockbuster films such as "Avengers: Endgame," "The Lord of the Rings," "Top Gun," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Mission: Impossible," and the "Harry Potter" franchise. Zaza, who has collaborated and recorded with members of Van Halen, Journey, and Styx, will be joining the orchestra for this special concert.

  • The Cinematic Symphony Orchestra will perform at the KeyBank State Theatre on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
  • The orchestra's next performance, "Love Is in the Air," is set for Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. at the Maltz Performing Arts Center.

The players

Cinematic Symphony Orchestra

A locally based ensemble that is one of the few orchestras in the world dedicated entirely to the art of movie music.

Neil Zaza

An Akron native known for his fiery yet lyrical playing style, who has collaborated and recorded with members of Van Halen, Journey, and Styx.

Andrew Keller

The music director of the Cinematic Symphony Orchestra and a professor of music at Kent State University.

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What they’re saying

“This concert is designed to feel like a blockbuster movie unfolding live on stage. Taking the very best of the rock and orchestral worlds, it's gripping, powerful and unapologetically epic.”

— Andrew Keller, Music Director, Cinematic Symphony Orchestra (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the Cinematic Symphony Orchestra's Playhouse Square debut on March 6, 2026 are available now at playhousesquare.org, with prices ranging from $36 to $120.

The takeaway

The Cinematic Symphony Orchestra's Playhouse Square debut, featuring guest guitarist Neil Zaza, promises to be a unique and immersive experience for audiences, blending the power of a full orchestra with the energy of rock music to bring beloved movie soundtracks to life.