The Cleveland Orchestra Announces 100th Season; Returns to Carnegie Hall; Continues Youth Free Programs

Details

Category: Fine Arts, Dance, Symphony

Published on Monday, 20 March 2017 08:00

The Cleveland Orchestra and Music Director Franz Welser-Möst have announced details of the upcoming 2017-18 calendar.  The season will be the ensemble's 100th year of concerts and marks the launch of its Second Century.  It is also the 16th year of the Orchestra's acclaimed partnership with Franz Welser-Möst.

With the 2017-18 season, The Cleveland Orchestra pushes forward with a series of ambitious goals across all areas of the institution:  artistic, community, education, service, and financial.  These goals include building upon the ensemble's legendary musical excellence, continuing to grow the youngest audience of any orchestra, deepening relationships in the community through unique collaborations, customized engagement, and music education for all ages.

"Looking toward The Cleveland Orchestra's future, I am filled with enormous pride in the one hundred year collaboration between the Orchestra and community," said Music Director Franz Welser-Möst.  "The exceptional musicianship and dedication of this Orchestra are acclaimed anew with each passing season, here at home and around the world.  Our audiences' musical curiosity and intellect drives all of us onstage forward, to dream beyond the past, and to continue exploring new boundaries in music."

He continued, "Our 100th season serves as an historic moment, not only to celebrate our rich history, but to look forward to everything this institution will accomplish in the century to come.  Against the ever-increasing and fractious challenges of the world today, I believe that we have an obligation to harness the life-changing power of music to make the world a better place — to push the limits of our art to create thrilling adventures in music.  Music is an incredible tool for good — to inspire people, as Beethoven believed, in the 'fight for good,' for what is right and true."

"The year marks an important milestone, both in celebrating the remarkable first 100 years and in launching a second century that will further build on the great legacy of the Orchestra," said André Gremillet, Cleveland Orchestra Executive Director.  "I believe that our Second Century can be even more exhilarating than our first as we continue to elevate the extraordinary artistry of the Orchestra, develop new audiences, and deepen our relationship with our exceptional community."

Artistic Highlights:  The Cunning Little Vixen Revival; Special Festival: The Ecstasy of Tristan and Isolde featuring opera and orchestral concerts. The Prometheus Project: featuring Beethoven symphonies and overtures in a two-week, season-closing festival; Music Director Franz Welser-Möst also leads Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, Haydn's The Seasons, and Mahler's Ninth, at home and on tour; Severance Hall Concert Subscriptions on sale now, starting at $81 for a three-concert package; "Under 18s Free" continues during 2017-18 Season; 2017-18 Season presenting sponsors: The J. M. Smucker Company and KeyBank

Praise for the Orchestra under the artistic leadership of Franz Welser-Möst includes The New York Times calling the ensemble "… America's most brilliant orchestra," and The Wall Street Journal stating that the Orchestra is "… magnificent."

Orchestra's Second Century to build on superlative artistic reputation, continued growth of young audiences, increased commitment to education, and community programs that celebrate the support from Northeast Ohio

2017-18 Second Century Season Sponsors
The Cleveland Orchestra's Second Century Season is presented by The J.M. Smucker Company and KeyBank.

"The Cleveland Orchestra is a source of civic pride because of its artistic excellence, and the community involvement of its musicians, Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, staff, and volunteers.  We are so fortunate to have this great institution in our backyard," said Richard Smucker, The Cleveland Orchestra's Board President and The J.M. Smucker Company's Executive Chairman.  "The Orchestra is truly making a difference in our community, and we are excited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this cultural jewel of Northeast Ohio."

"A world-class institution, The Cleveland Orchestra has long been a cornerstone in the city's rich history," said Beth Mooney, KeyBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "As Cleveland's hometown bank, we are extremely pleased to support The Cleveland Orchestra's Second Century season."