The Cleveland Orchestra

Really enjoyed the performance the orchestra was awesome as was the building. Being that I’m no expert in this type of musical and only have slight interest however it did keep my attention. I give it a 10, well done!

New to Cleveland and my boyfriend and I were invited to the «Home Alone» Christmas performance! We didn’t know quite what to expect but it was such a great holiday event! We both enjoyed it and look forward to attending in the future!

Having benefited from Unilocal reviews a number of times, today is my day to «give back» and write a few more about our many treasures in Cleveland such as our world-​renowned orchestra. Also, having traveled many places, I’ve come to recognize even more how lucky we are to live in NE Ohio where so much of high quality is so readily accessible.
Our Cleveland Orchestra is fantastic and my husband and I are thrilled to avail ourselves of their concerts at both Severance and Blossom on a frequent basis. We think it is great that the orchestra has done so much in the last five years to reach out to different ages with a variety of venues and different programming.
We have a bias for Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Poulenc, Barber, etc and not-​so-​seldom heard cello concertos. (Please, no more Dvorak cello concerto performances as beautiful as that concerto is. How about Kabalevsky– Cello Concerto no. 2 instead?).
We also realize that war horses like Beethoven and Mozart Symphonies are a «must» and also appreciate being exposed to some contemporary composers such as John Adams. Acknowledging that others love the war horses and that we need exposure to more contemporary composers, next season perhaps more not-​often heard programming (in keeping with some of our preferences) will be offered.
With all this said, we know you can’t please everyone all the time and the Cleveland Orchestra is doing a lot to appeal to a variety of ages and musical tastes. Do go — we owe them our support and you will be doing yourself a favor!

As a semi-​professional musician and have been trained for 80% of my life for music, I can say that the Cleveland Orchestra IS indeed on top of my ranking list. I have also lived in Chicago for a few years and I couldnt really tell a BIG difference between the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra.
I think given the location, it is very impressive that this orchestra is so successful right now. The music hall is just breathtakingly beautiful. I have been to 10+ concerts so far and there was no single concert that has let me down. One time, they had a jazz music event, called martini or something. It was one of the greatest experiences that I had with the fusion of classical and jazz music. Multiple music stars like Yoyo Ma and Joshua Bell have come to cleveland for performance as well. The players do rotate from time to time and yes minor errors are unavoidable but they are very minimal that I would not really frown on that.
If you are a student, they have a student fan card, which you can get for only $ 50 for a whole year’s concert, except special events. If you catch the sale season, which is usually the first month of September or something, you only need to pay $ 25 for the same card. You do need to go get the student ticket at least 1 hour before the concert. I usually go a day or two before the concert.
Parking is a pain in the butt. The garage parking used to be $ 10 and now it’s $ 11. Street parking is almost never available, unless you are willing to park somewhere that’s 10 min away or get there 2 hours early.

Half of the clowns who make fun of «flyover country» haven’t even heard of Szell. Learn the basics.

Truly one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever been in. The art deco ceiling of the concert hall is so mesmerizing that you will have to remember to listen to the music.
I heard Carmina Burana here on April 13, and it was spectacular. I sat in the balcony and I don’t believe it made any difference in terms of the sound or my ability to see the musicians. The seating is well-​designed, though close together. I think that an overweight person would have problems with these seats. But, that is just advice, not a complaint really. The seat was comfortable. The only disadvantage to sitting farther back is that you are occasionally distracted by other concert-​goers.
Being a former singer, I really appreciated the soloists and choir. They were spot-​on. The children’s choir did a great job as well.
I will definitely be returning for more shows, especially if I have out of town guests. I attended with some people who had seen the same piece performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and they said that Cleveland’s performance was much better. It made us proud to have such a wonderful orchestra in Cleveland.

Great orchestra, GORGEOUS building. I’m not a huge classical music fan or expert, but even I could appreciate how good this orchestra was.
Aside from the quality of the music, the intermission was well timed in both placement in the performance and in length.
People wore all sorts of clothes, ranging from jeans and a sweatshirt to suits, so don’t worry about being out of place!

Severance Hall is one of the most beautiful concert halls in the country, and Cleveland Orchestra is one of the best orchestras in the country.

Severance hall is absolutely stunning on the inside and it is worthwhile to arrive early just to look around. I went to see Joshua Bell with the Cleveland Orchestra on a Saturday night; I was late in purchasing tickets, so I ended up high in the balcony. I was worried about the seats, but I could still see the whole orchestra and the acoustics are fabulous, so I was able to hear everything well even in the nosebleeds of the balcony. The orchestra is world-​class and Conductor Franz Wiser-​Most is excellent; at the beginning, someone in the front was talking and he turned back to give a death stare prior to starting. Thus, one suggestion if you plan on going and sit within earshot of the orchestra is to not be rude and talk, unless you want the death stare unleashed upon you. I cannot wait to return and see them again.

I had heard the orchestra several times during their free 4^th July concert on public square, but my first trip to Severance was just 3 Christmas seasons ago. Since going to that holiday show 3 years ago I decided to make it a Xmas tradition and in that light returned to Severance this year on 23 December. The building is beautiful at any time I’m sure, but Christmas is extra special. It looks rather royal all traditionally decked. It can be a bit confusing getting to your seat on your first visit I suppose but there are ushers all around to tell if you that stair or this elevator will take you to the right place or not. As for parking (for the Xmas shows at least) you can either prebuy a garage pass with your ticket ($ 14) or get there really early (about an hour) hoping there will be garage spots still available ($ 10). However after so many cars w/​o passes are allowed in the garage they restrict the garage to pass holders only. If you don’t make it in the garage you can park on the street or the lot across the street from Severance — it’s not a far walk. Being in the garage is nice though because you can leave your coats in your car (a good idea because the seats are close together — take note tall people).
As for the content of the Christmas show — the orchestra was great. They played familiar songs so if you are not a huge orchestra /​classical fan this would be a painlessly wonderful introduction to the CLE Orchestra. They even do a cool sing-​along thing with «The 12 days of Xmas» and a couple other songs which adds a bit of fun to the show. The time goes fast and the conductor is rather personable and chatty. Book your tickets early — shows, like tonights, sell out!

Bravo, bravo!
I love the Cleveland Orchestra. Conductor Franz Welser-​Most is slated to stay until 2018, which is good news for us because he is also the Director of the Vienna Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) and other ridiculously amazing musical appointments. Did you know that the Cleveland Orchestra is the only U.S. orchestra to play in the Musikverein? The Orchestra is world-​class as one of the top 5 of the U.S. We are sitting on a total gem in this city. If only we cheered the Orchestra on as we did our sports teams!
As a young musician, I listened to Cleveland Orchestra recordings to understand the feel of the music. I definitely have a special connection to this Orchestra, esp now that I love this city!
Severance Hall is beautiful. I really like Ferdinand H’s description: «Severance Hall’s seating area is actually quite intimate. The lighting and architecture really recalls the days of big steel and the type of opulance that the roaring 20s possessed. The lighting coupled with the amazing resonance really knocked my socks off.»
One of my favorite places to listen to the Orchestra is during its Blossom Festival. I’ve been there every weekend now for picnics on the lawn during the concert. It’s quite indulgent to be able to lie down under the stars in a national forest and listen to a world class orchestra play. Some of the notable works that I’ve heard were Beethoven’s Violin Concerto (with Gil Shaham — knocked my socks off), Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Mahler, etc. I can’t wait to listen to more.
On weekends like John Williams’ tributes, Blossom is packed with close to 20,000 people in attendance. We were taken to another place while we sat on the lawn listening to soundtracks. The acoustics there are very bright and flow out over the lawn.
If you can’t already tell, I love the Cleveland Orchestra!

Such a treat! Ranked as one of the best orchestras in the world, let alone the US. GREAT FOR STUDENTS; discounted ticket price of about $ 15 for great seats. I can’t wait to go back!

Clearly one of the best in the United States for venue and sound. Both the concert locale (Severance Hall) and the orchestra are exquisite!
We’ve attended a number of Cleveland Orchestra performances at Severance Hall, the last of which was Mozart Piano Concertos 9 & 21 with Mitsuko Uchida who absolutely rocked a piano like no man’s business!
The best way I can describe why the Cleveland Orchestra rates far better than many others is this. Other area orchestras we’ve witnessed such as Toledo and Pittsburgh know their music well and are technically proficient at performing them. However, the Cleveland Orchestra goes beyond just playing the notes correctly. They bring a refined softness, expression, and depth to the music. And their musical unity is so spot-​on that when a section plays a note you don’t hear more than a single instrument. Amazing!
This jewel is absolutely one of the only reasons why we come to downtown Cleveland!

One of the best Symphony Orchestra’s in the world. A wonderful seasonal program filled with great musical artists, fantastic guest conductors, and many community programs and educational programs for everyone! The Student Advantage Program is a huge plus and a budget-​friendly way to see performances. The Orchestra offers a bit of something for everyone. Friday@7 series are budget-​friendly and very fun with free activities such a dancing and a free pre-​concert show! Youth Orchestra performances are brilliant and start at $ 12 per ticket! This is a great place to explore the musical arts world.

I had a discussion with my musician friend about the top symphonies/​orchestras in the United States awhile ago and he told me that Cleveland is consistently one of the best.
During the holidays, my cousin wanted to see Lea Salonga who was part of the Colors of Christmas concert with the Cleveland Orchestra, so I jumped on the opportunity. First off, Severance Hall is beautiful and was just amazed by the architecture. The acoustics was great also.
The orchestera itself was great. I could tell it wasn’t the full ensemble, but it was still a wonderful experience. Now I want to see Chicago Symphony when I head back home.

The Cleveland Orchestra is absolutely one of the best places to here a concert.
First off, Severance Hall is absolutely gorgeous. It was renovated about 10 years ago and the results are amazing.
The orchestra has really flourished under the direction of Franz Welser Most. I’ve particularly enjoyed the Mahler and every germanic piece that they’ve put on for production. You don’t need to spend a fortune on tickets either, I could fit in the regular concert on my student budget, and since Severance Hall has amazing acoustics you’ll be pleased with no matter what seat you choose.

Where to begin?
My wife and I went to see the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall recently. I haven’t been to Severance Hall but once, and that was during a fourth grade field trip. So I’ve been looking forward to visiting again for quite some time.
Severance Hall is just beautiful. You have to see it! The architecture and marble finishes are just amazing. And the theater, astounding! It’s worth the $ 100 or so that you pay for a decent seat, but then again, I don’t think there is a bad seat in this house.
The Cleveland Orchestra has an amazing sound, especially when playing at Severance Hall. I enjoy listening to classical music and to see it live is just a heavenly experience for me.
During our visit, Jun Märkl was the guest conductor, and Leonidas Kavakos was the guest violinist. Both were awesome at their respective crafts. Leonidas played with no music sheets the entire time, which was very impressive.
I hope to visit more often.

What a great place for a concert.
On my birthday weekend, I decided to take my parents to see the Cleveland orchestra. I bought incredibly cheap tickets to go see Stravinsky’s Firebird, as part of the Cleveland orchestra family concert.
When I first walked in (and walked in rather easily, with no crowds), I was awed at the architecture of Severance Hall. What a gorgeous artistic hall. When I actually entered the actual hall where the orchestra plays… I was amazed at how beautiful it was.
Yes, it’s small, but it’s so pretty and the sound is so good inside the hall, I wish I lived next door, so I could hear the orchestra all the time. In addition, the Cleveland orchestra is spectacular– they have amazing balance… one of the best I have ever heard.
Minus the fact that family concerts consist of a little kid behind you screaming, «but mommy, where’s the BIRD?!!», seeing the orchestra and just being in the hall is well worth it.

Severance Hall is one of the most breathtakingly gorgeous buildings in all of Cleveland. After its epic restoration in 2000, its beauty is unmatched. Lotus blossoms bloom all throughout the architecture, lighting, and decoration of the rooms, which include a grand foyer, chamber hall, and concert hall. Supposedly, the lotus was a favorite of Mrs. Severance, whom the building is dedicated to. The incredible silver pattern on the ceiling of the main hall is a nod to the lace on Mrs. Severance’s wedding dress. From the red marble columns of the grand entryway, to the small screw immortalized in the marble floor by the staircase, the building exudes opulence and a 1920s sense of grandeur. This is the sort of building that makes you utter «They don’t make buildings like this anymore,» no matter your age.
These intricate details would be nothing, however, without the incredible acoustics to support a world-​class orchestra. The Cleveland Orchestra is a globally-​renowned orchestra, whose pianissimo is so soft, you are afraid to breathe too loud lest you interrupt the performance.
Their full range and dynamic color is put on display in this incredible space, and even at the very top of the balcony, against the back wall of the auditorium, you can hear the nuance and character of the softest moments in the symphony. In fact, the sound up there seems to be crisper, more blended and full the further back you sit. I was often relegated to the back for the student discount tickets, but quickly realized that I was getting the best acoustics in the building.
I have seen so many memorable concerts here, from the exciting Beethoven’s fifth when Franz had an ear infection and James Gaffigan had to fill in at the last minute, to partially staged operas like Duke Bluebeard’s Castle and Der Rosenkavalier, to Janacek’s Sinfonietta, to Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique and the striking Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind by Osvaldo Golijov.
If you work at, attend, or visit Case, CIM, CIA, The FPB School of Nursing, the medical school, the law school, or any institution on University Circle, you must not deny yourself the experience of attending a Cleveland Orchestra concert at Severance Hall.

I had a great time at Severance Hall a couple weeks back, listening to a rendition of Les Escale, as well as Lang Lang perform in his usual flamboyant style.
Severance Hall’s seating area is actually quite intimate. The lighting and architecture really recalls the days of big steel and the type of opulance that the roaring 20s possessed. The lighting coupled with the amazing resonance really knocked my socks off. During the first movement of Les Escale, I was really blown away by the sound of their string section moving so easily through the light hearted, playful passages. I really felt like I was sailing into gentle sunbeams under a moody summer sky.
The Hall is steeped in history… you can feel that the place is cared for.
I’m really looking forward to my next visit.