Mara is sponsored by Bob & Alice Chrismer and Lee & Barbara Jacobi for Midsummer’s 2024 season.

Mara McClain, cello, is currently a freelance musician in the Chicago area. She was most recently a member of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra from 2006–2018. Prior to her position with the Alabama Symphony, she served as principal cellist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and attended the Cleveland Institute of Music in both the pre-college Young Artists Program and for her Bachelor of Music studies. Her teachers were Richard Aaron and Merry Peckham. She has participated in many summer festivals, including the Aspen School of Music, Spoleto Festival USA, and the Pacific Music Festival. She currently plays as a substitute cellist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera Orchestra, The Joffrey Ballet Orchestra, the Grant Park Festival Orchestra, and Music of the Baroque, and she frequently serves as principal cellist with the Chicago Philharmonic.

 

“I am so excited to return to Midsummer again this year! The incredible community that the patrons, audience members and musicians have built around Door County is so welcoming and inspiring. I had such lovely experiences on and off stage last summer and I can’t wait to continue building musical and personal connections with the wonderful people of Midsummer.”