Founded in 1918, the Cleveland Orchestra has a strong history of performance excellence, ranking among the finest in America, if not the world, along with a tradition of educational outreach.
The Cleveland Orchestra offers many ways for adults and youth alike to learn more about classical music and see performances at a low cost. Children as young as three can begin to learn about the instruments in the orchestra through Musical Rainbows, 30-minute concerts hosted by Maryann Nagel, a local actress and singer. For children a bit older (7+), the Family Concerts series features guest artists, such as young musicians, dancers, and actors, and all are preceded by fun and free learning activities. A free membership to the Student Advantage Program offers students invitations to free open rehearsals, free master classes, and large discounts on tickets to many of the Orchestra’s concerts.
For adults interested in learning more about the repertoire and the artists, the Cleveland Orchestra offers Music Study Groups, a series of informal lectures and discussions held in locations throughout the community, and a Meet the Artist series, an interview and luncheon program, where audiences are able to connect with the season’s artists.
To make sure that their music is accessible to the entire community, the Cleveland Orchestra offers multiple free concerts throughout the year, including one to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in January, along with a free Public Square concert each summer.
Cleveland Orchestra Information
- Public Transportation: Good (steps from RTA buses 9, 48, and 48A at Adelbert Road/Euclid Avenue; a 5-minute walk from bus 38 at Ford Drive/Euclid Avenue; and a 10-minute walk from buses 7, 8, 9, 32, and the Heath Line at the University Circle Rapid Station)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: Approximately 185 performances annually
- Ticket Prices: $31–$110. Full-time college and high-school students with valid student IDs may attend select Cleveland Orchestra performances at the following student prices: $10 for tickets purchased prior to one hour before the concert, $15 for tickets purchased within one hour before the concert. Subject to availability
- Group Discounts: Groups of 20 or more enjoy a discount of up to 15% on tickets. Student groups of 20 or more save 50% off single ticket prices for most concerts
- Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available for the normal season and the orchestra’s Miami residency. Concert subscribers get free exchanges at any time; other subscribers may exchange subscription tickets for a different performance of the same-week’s program at any time. Subscribers may also exchange their tickets for another concert up to five days prior to the performance. A discount at the Cleveland Orchestra Store is also offered to subscribers
- Membership: Basic membership begins at $100. Benefits include an invitation to one open rehearsal at Severance Hall and an invitation to one open rehearsal at Blossom Music Center
- Other Benefits: Recordings, discounts at the Cleveland Orchestra store, an invitation to join the orchestra on national tours with priority ticket privileges, and invitations to special events and receptions throughout the year.
