Hearts for Music News & Press
News 5 ABC Cleveland:
This Local Orchestra Makes History After Performance at the Vatican
Akron, OH — Hearts for Music is showing there is something for everyone when given a chance. “We don’t care about sounding pretty. We care about the relationships because the beauty of the music will come through,” said Kitrael Chin, President and Founder of Hearts for Music. Last month, the local organization made history after performing at the Vatican for the Jubilee of Persons with Disabilities in April.
A Letter from Fr. Behrend from Saint Rita Parish
This pilgrimage opened up many doors for the Hearts for Music ministry. They are now invited to many other countries and have made a tremendous impact both here and around the world. We are so incredibly blessed to support Hearts for Music, the influence they have, and the specially abled people who work so hard to make beautiful music. Yet another example of our ability to work through challenges and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, show the glory of God alive in our community and family.
Special Needs Orchestra in Vatican City
Hearts For Music is known for its motto: “Transforming disabilities into abilities.” The organization brings together musicians and developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities to create breathtaking music and advocate for global inclusivity. On Tuesday, April 29, the once-in-a-lifetime performance took place at Castel Sant’Angelo in front of a live audience of 10,000 and was streamed worldwide. The concert was part of the Jubilee 2025 celebrations ad was dedicated to the memory of Pope Francis, sharing the groups message of inclusion, unity, and love through music.
Kaleidoscope Magazine, Winter/Spring 2025
Music can lower blood pressure, elevate mood, evoke strong feelings, and even give you the boost of energy you need when working out. Music is powerful. Kitrael Chin, president and artistic director of Hearts for Music knows that. He has seen its impact. As a board-certified music therapist for more than twenty years, he has worked with individuals across the spectrum . Combining his genuine love for all people and his love for music, he established Hearts For Music in 2016.
“Disabilities Redefined” YouTube Interview
In this episode, we interview the director of this wonderful orchestra and a few very talented members. This is a unique group of musicians, as all members have disabilities. The youngest musicians are 6 years old, and the oldest are in their 60s, there is no age limit, and all levels of experience are welcome to join. The members have diagnoses ranging from Autism to Down syndrome to chromosomal abnormalities such as Turner’s Syndrome.
Hearts For Music plays Benefit Concert
Inside the Union Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schnecksville, the sounds of the Hearts For Music Orchestra filled the air at a benefit concert. The joy has just been overwhelming for me," said Kitrael Chin, founder and director of Hearts For Music. It is a special needs orchestra with programs in Ohio that launched in 2016, now expanding to the Lehigh Valley.
“On the Road” with Kelli and Rob
Listen to the “On The Road with Kelli and Bob” podcast as they interview Hearts For Music President & Artistic Director, Kitrael Chin.
“Special Needs Living” Magazine
Read about us and our musicians in the May 2024 issue of Special Needs Living Magazine where we talk about transforming disabilities into abilities through music and musical experiences. Find us on page 40.
“Cleveland Plain Dealer” Magazine
Hearts for Music bridges worlds through music for special needs individuals in Summit County and beyond.
WKYC Channel 3 - “Heart Strings”
In Hearts for Music, there are no wrong notes. And despite being touched by different struggles, these musicians are in harmony. Hearts for Music president and founder Kitrael Chin is the gentle leader of this inclusive outlet, and he knows how important that message is given his own struggles with hearing and ADHD. "I've met adults with disabilities that I've worked with for 20 years," he remarked. "The wonderful thing that you notice is that they don't change. Their innocence stays the same. It grows."