Ensemble Mercury, founded in 2018 by violinist McKenna Glorioso, is a versatile group of Cleveland-based string musicians. We perform regular events throughout the year such as wedding and galas and also curate/present immersive concert experiences throughout the year.

Our debut curated experience, Celestia (held in July 2024), presented a journey of music inspired by the cosmos and incorporated a new moon meditation, a communal art experience, and opportunities for reflection. Plans are underway for additional experiences like Celestia…stay tuned for more news later this year!

When not playing together as a group, our musicians are actively performing throughout the Midwest region and hold reputable teaching studios. Not only do we love what we do, but we’re passionate about Cleveland, organize and participate in the local arts scene, and enjoy collaborating with folks across all disciplines.

McKenna Glorioso (founder, co-manager, violinist, violist) McKenna plays with the Akron Symphony Orchestra and teaches in the Suzuki Department at The Music Settlement. She attended McGill University and the Cleveland Institute of Music, and in 2023 she joined the national tour for “Our Planet: Live in Concert,” performing over 50 shows and traveling to 30 states in three months.
McKenna Glorioso (founder, co-manager, violinist, violist) McKenna plays with the Akron Symphony Orchestra and teaches in the Suzuki Department at The Music Settlement. She attended McGill University and the Cleveland Institute of Music, and in 2023 she joined the national tour for “Our Planet: Live in Concert,” performing over 50 shows and traveling to 30 states in three months.
Sydney Link (she/her) is the founding violist of Trillium String Quartet, graduate Quartet in residence at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Prior to the Trillium, Sydney was a viola fellow at The Orchestra Now in New York. She holds degrees from Cleveland Institute of Music and McGill University. When she’s not playing or teaching the viola, Sydney enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She is a runner, triathlete, and avid reader. Sydney co-manages Ensemble Mercury along with McKenna.
Sydney Link (she/her) is the founding violist of Trillium String Quartet, graduate Quartet in residence at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Prior to the Trillium, Sydney was a viola fellow at The Orchestra Now in New York. She holds degrees from Cleveland Institute of Music and McGill University. When she’s not playing or teaching the viola, Sydney enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She is a runner, triathlete, and avid reader. Sydney co-manages Ensemble Mercury along with McKenna.
SNEAK PEEK: Quartet
Helen Rucinski is a performer and teacher living in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. She is a section violist in the Akron Symphony Orchestra, a regular substitute with the BlueWater Chamber Orchestra, and previously held positions in the Canton Symphony Orchestra and Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Helen currently teaches Suzuki violin and viola lessons at The Music Settlement and is the second violin coach for the Contemporary Youth Orchestra. Helen received her Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bachelor of Music degrees from Northwestern University.
Helen Rucinski is a performer and teacher living in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. She is a section violist in the Akron Symphony Orchestra, a regular substitute with the BlueWater Chamber Orchestra, and previously held positions in the Canton Symphony Orchestra and Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Helen currently teaches Suzuki violin and viola lessons at The Music Settlement and is the second violin coach for the Contemporary Youth Orchestra. Helen received her Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bachelor of Music degrees from Northwestern University.
Ellie Glorioso is a cellist and composer based in Cleveland, Ohio. They have served on the faculty of The Cleveland Institute of Music, Notre Dame College, and The Music Settlement. In 2022 they launched The Cello Collective, a cello studio in Larchmere and through it teach over 40 students weekly. Ellie was honored to play the Ohio premier performance of Anna Clyne’s concerto for cello and orchestra, DANCE.
Ellie Glorioso is a cellist and composer based in Cleveland, Ohio. They have served on the faculty of The Cleveland Institute of Music, Notre Dame College, and The Music Settlement. In 2022 they launched The Cello Collective, a cello studio in Larchmere and through it teach over 40 students weekly. Ellie was honored to play the Ohio premier performance of Anna Clyne’s concerto for cello and orchestra, DANCE.
Violinist Jenny Cluggish resides in Cleveland, Ohio with her husband cellist Daniel Pereira in the neighborhood of Larchmere. She is on the music faculty of the Music Settlement in University Circle and Spring Garden Waldorf School in Copley, Ohio. She performs with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, Akron Symphony Orchestra, and plays chamber music with various ensembles throughout the Cleveland area. She holds a Masters Degree from the University of Miami, Oxford in Violin Performance and a Bachelors of Music from the College-Conservatory of Music. 
Violinist Jenny Cluggish resides in Cleveland, Ohio with her husband cellist Daniel Pereira in the neighborhood of Larchmere. She is on the music faculty of the Music Settlement in University Circle and Spring Garden Waldorf School in Copley, Ohio. She performs with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, Akron Symphony Orchestra, and plays chamber music with various ensembles throughout the Cleveland area. She holds a Masters Degree from the University of Miami, Oxford in Violin Performance and a Bachelors of Music from the College-Conservatory of Music. 
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