Cleveland Orchestra
Cleveland, OH 44106-1796
Phone: (216) 231-7300
Editorial Review for Cleveland Orchestra – by Lori Noernberg & Charles Cassady Jr.
Maestros of Note
The Cleveland Orchestra is considered by many classical-music critics to be the finest orchestra in the world. Whether you're attending a concert at the stately and somber Severance Hall in formalwear or dressed-down to enjoying a picnic on the lawn surrounding the open-air amphitheater at Blossom Music Center (the orchestra's home during the summer months) a listen to this legendary ensemble makes for an experience par excellence. Established in 1918 under the direction of Russian-American conductor Nikolai Sokoloff, the Cleveland Orchestra earned its prestigious reputation and respect particularly after 1946, during the reign of taskmaster conductor George Szell. The quality and perfectionism continued under such respected bearers of the baton as Lorin Maazel, Christoph von Dohnányi and Jahja Ling. The orchestra is not only praised for its performances and recordings--works by Beethoven, Bach and Brahams--but its interpretation of 20th-century and lesser-known pieces.
The Season
The concert months at Severance Hall in University Circle often find the Cleveland Orchestra often hosting visiting guest artists--everyone from pianist Radu Lupi to music humorist Peter "PDQ Bach" Schickele. At Blossom the orchestra customarily performs classical pop and lighter works, such as Broadway showtunes, and Gershwin and Irving Berlin tributes. On the Fourth of July, the musicians put on a free performance on Public Square, culminating with Tchaikovsky's "1812" Overture, complete with fireworks bursting into the night sky.
Music Appreciation 101
Families from all over the world enroll their musically gifted children into the Cleveland Orchestra's top-notch Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, which offers school-age youngsters a chance to excel. Classical music lovers should consider purchasing tickets for the Youth Orchestra at $10. Most are pleasantly surprised with the talent of these future concert musicians. Children ages 3 to 6 may enroll in the orchestra's Musical Rainbow series, morning programs which focus on individual instruments demonstrated by (grownup) orchestra members. For 5- to 9-year-olds, the Cleveland Orchestra offers shorter concerts lasting up to an hour.
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User Reviews for Cleveland Orchestra
08/21/2002 Posted by Bill_S
...in a class of its own. The Cleveland Orchestra has it all, virtuosity, precision, balance, and a gorgeous new hall. The board of the orchestra has been wise to select musician conductors, rather then levitating showboaters. One can legitimately take issue with their overly-Germanic approach to programming, but guest conductors such as Ashkenazy are a welcome corrective. Severance Hall received a much needed $37 million restoration in 2000. One would have to travel to Vienna to find a hall equal to it.
