Beginner’s Guide to The Cleveland Orchestra

Founded in 1918, this Ohio-based ensemble has established itself as one of the most renowned orchestras in the world. With its distinctive sound and style, The Cleveland Orchestra is one of the famed “Big Five” American orchestras. Whether you’re new to the world of orchestras or a seasoned concertgoer, here’s everything you need to know about this musical powerhouse. 

Fun Facts About The Cleveland Orchestra

• It’s the youngest member of America’s “Big Five” orchestras.
• The ensemble has its own summer home, Blossom Music Center , on 800 acres of beautiful parkland within Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
• Franz Welser-Möst holds one of the longest uninterrupted music director tenures in the Orchestra’s history.

 

Brief History of The Cleveland Orchestra 

The Cleveland Orchestra’s story is one of terrific triumphs, quality leadership, and world-class musicians. The Orchestra was founded by Adella Prentiss Hughes, a trailblazing arts advocate and concert manager who wanted to bring world-class music to her hometown. She gathered community support, raised funds, and, in 1918, founded the ensemble that would become the pride of the Midwest. 

Even in its early years, the Orchestra set its sights high, performing ambitious repertoire and recording for the Brunswick label — an impressive achievement for a young American orchestra. In the 1930s and ’40s, under the direction of Artur Rodziński, the Orchestra took its performances nationwide with radio broadcasts. 

The ensemble’s true transformation came under George Szell, who served as music director from 1946 to 1970. Szell’s meticulous standards reshaped the Orchestra’s sound and discipline, creating what became known as “The Cleveland Sound.” By the 1960s, the Orchestra was widely considered one of the finest in the world. 

In the 1980s, Christoph von Dohnányi expanded the repertoire and championed exciting 20th-century composers like Bartók, Ligeti, and John Adams. Since 2002, Austrian conductor Franz Welser-Möst has led the ensemble, becoming one of the longest-serving music directors in Cleveland’s history. His programs combine symphonic cornerstones like Beethoven, Bruckner, and Mahler with bold new works by living composers, making each concert a unique sonic experience. 

From a female-founded fledgling ensemble in 1918 to an internationally celebrated cultural powerhouse, The Cleveland Orchestra’s legacy is a story of vision, discipline, and an enduring commitment to excellence. We can’t wait to see what they do next. 

Music Directors 

Over the decades, The Cleveland Orchestra has welcomed some remarkable music directors. From wartime radio broadcasts to the creation of their iconic “Cleveland Sound,” each music director left their mark on the Orchestra’s sound and reputation.

1. Nikolai Sokoloff (1918–1933): The first music director, who helped establish the Orchestra’s high performance standards and recording career. 
2. Artur Rodziński (1933–1943): Expanded the Orchestra’s repertoire and increased national attention through radio broadcasts. 
3. Erich Leinsdorf (1943–1946): A brief tenure marked by ambitious programming and overseas radio performances for soldiers in Europe, cut short when he was drafted into the war. 
4. George Szell (1946–1970): Credited with transforming the ensemble into a precision-driven, European-style orchestra, refining what would become known as “The Cleveland Sound.” 
5. Lorin Maazel (1972–1982): Known for his dazzling technical control and high-profile tours. 
6. Christoph von Dohnányi (1984–2002): Expanded the repertoire and championed 20th-century works. 
7. Franz Welser-Möst (2002–present): Brought a blend of tradition and innovation, extending the Orchestra’s international profile and earning it a reputation as “America’s finest ensemble.” 

 

The Cleveland Sound 

So what exactly is “The Cleveland Sound”? Critics often describe it as clarity and balance with a warm European sensibility — think regal Vienna over buzzy New York. Where the New York Philharmonic can be brash and bold with its “big city” sound, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic gleams with West Coast innovation, Cleveland’s style is elegant, precise, and beautifully blended. This comes from decades of meticulous rehearsal, discipline, and a culture of listening within the Orchestra itself. 

The Cleveland Orchestra Today 

Under the baton of Franz Welser-Möst, the Orchestra continues to balance great symphonic works with adventurous programming. Mahler, Bruckner, and Beethoven remain cornerstones of their repertoire, but Welser-Möst is famous for championing contemporary composers like Bernd Richard Deutsch and Allison Loggins-Hull and rediscovering overlooked 20th-century works, making every concert a unique experience. 

Now more than two decades into his tenure, Welser-Möst has cemented a legacy of consistent quality, artistic risk-taking, and an undeniable rapport with the Orchestra’s musicians. There’s something truly special about watching an orchestra led by a director who has known them for so long. 

Severance Music Center 

The Orchestra’s home, Severance Music Center, formerly Severance Hall, is one of the US’s most beautiful concert venues. After performing in local Cleveland venues like Grays Armory and the Masonic Auditorium for its first decade, the Orchestra moved to its purpose-built home in 1931. 

The hall was named after the Orchestra’s dedicated patrons, John Long Severance and his wife, Elisabeth Huntington DeWitt Severance, who helped fund its construction. The building was designed by the Cleveland-based firm, Walker & Weeks, who were known for their impressive banks and public libraries around Cleveland. The “Giant Jewel Box” building combines the stately Neoclassical and Georgian styles on the exterior, with an opulent mix of Art Deco, Egyptian Revival, and Classical influences on the inside. 

A major renovation in 2000 modernized public areas, renovated the backstage, and improved acoustics while preserving the hall’s historical charm. Today, Severance Music Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains one of Cleveland’s cultural gems. 

Where to See The Cleveland Orchestra 

You don’t have to live in Ohio to experience the magic of The Cleveland Orchestra, though it really is worth the trip! 

• At Home: Hear them in one of their spectacular venues, Severance Music Center in Cleveland, and Blossom Music Center in nearby Cuyahoga Falls. 
• On Tour: The Orchestra regularly tours internationally, bringing its signature sound to prestigious halls from Vienna’s Musikverein to Berlin’s Philharmonie, as well as major US cities such as New York and Miami, where the Orchestra has maintained a residency since 2007.
• On Recordings: Enjoy the unmistakable “Cleveland Sound” through their extensive catalog of acclaimed recordings, including Grammy-winning albums like Pierre Boulez’s 1996 recording of Debussy’s La mer, Nocturnes, and Jeux.
• On Screen: For the best of both worlds, stream full performances on Marquee TV, complete with pre-concert interviews and insightful introductions to the works.