The OHHS National Art Honor Society welcomed OLEA for a special performance as a part of the Creative Canvassing program. OLEA, the current SOS ART Artist in Residence in partnership with the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, used chamber music to explore themes, through a non-partisan lens, related to the 2024 election.

The members of OLEA met in the Spring of 2021 through their participation in the Cincinnati New Music Ensemble (CNME). Inspired by the artistry, musicianship, and spirit of collaboration they saw in one another as well as their shared interest in new music, they founded OLEA shortly after. OLEA aims to create music that is engaging and impactful for audiences. With their unique instrumentation of violin, clarinet, cello, and piano, they have played in various duo, trio, and quartet configurations, exploring some of the most compelling chamber music repertoire. Since its inception, the importance of new music and creative collaboration has remained at the center of OLEA’s artistic vision. Future projects include regional tours through the United States, competing in international competitions, and commissioning new works by living composers.

Students had the opportunity to engage with issues that excited or concerned them while learning about the democratic and electoral processes that shape our modern political landscape. Students voted on topics they wanted to comment on and explore more deeply including climate change, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, violence, healthcare, income inequality, and disinformation.

Students were able to gain insight into the ways that democracy works in our everyday lives through musical and extra-musical demonstrations. The interactive performance was accompanied by the reading of poetry and the projection of visual art by greater Cincinnati Artists, addressing the same themes.