From the Archives
More than a century's worth of stories
The Archives of The Cleveland Orchestra is a working resource center that serves both the institution and the public. Its prime function is to organize, preserve, and promote the historical records of the institution, which includes The Cleveland Orchestra and its parent non-profit organization, the Musical Arts Association, as well as materials related to Severance Hall and Blossom Music Center.
Explore the Archives View Google Arts & Culture PageStories from the Archives
The Mother of The Cleveland Orchestra: Adella Prentiss Hughes
Meet Adella Prentiss Hughes, whose vision, determination, and largesse led to the founding of The Cleveland Orchestra in 1918.
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Still Second to None: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of George Szell’s Death — 2020
From his appointment as Musical Director and Conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra in 1946 until his death on July 30, 1970, George Szell was the inescapable, dominating presence in Cleveland’s musical life.
Continue ReadingScrapbook Collection
The Cleveland Orchestra Archives Scrapbook Collection contains over 100 years of News and Reviews documenting the Orchestra’s founding, concert activity, and tours. Included are the building of Severance Hall and Blossom Music Center. The collection is being digitized in sections, so return often to see what new materials are available.
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Soundwave
A century of excellence, an extraordinary future. Visit 100 moments from The Cleveland Orchestra's past 100 years – from our founding to our centennial celebration in 2018.
Take a Trip Through TimeThe Prometheus Project
As part of the Centennial Season’s celebration, Franz Welser-Möst has created “The Prometheus Festival,” examining Beethoven’s music through the metaphor of Prometheus, a daring Titan who defied Zeus to bestow on humanity the gift of fire.
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Are you a professional researcher?
We encourage an appreciation of the Orchestra's historical heritage by making most of its non-current records open to serious researchers of any age
Researchers are able to consult such materials as correspondence, press releases, a nearly complete set of programs, photos, scrapbooks, minutes and annual reports. In addition, various internal databases provide efficient access to information. Research inquiries can be made by mail, by phone, or by a scheduled visit with the Archivist.
From time to time, the Archives has a need for interns with historical, musical, research, and/or library background.
Please call 216-231-7382 or email our Archives department to schedule an appointment or for more information.