The Cleveland Orchestra revealed its newest cohort of string players in February 2026, a group that includes KBMF alumnus Gabriel Napoli, ’14 and ’17, who will join the ensemble’s viola section. Napoli’s appointment marks a significant milestone in his musical career and reflects the strength of the region’s classical‑music training pipeline.
Gabriel Napoli’s achievement stands as a moment of pride for the Kent Blossom Music Festival community and reflects the continued success of alumni performing at the highest levels of the profession.