Volunteer Organizations
Women’s Committee of The Cleveland Orchestra
The Women’s Committee of The Cleveland Orchestra is dedicated to providing support for our world-class Orchestra through music education activities, volunteer service, and fund-raising opportunities. The committee offers its Meet the Artist luncheon and program throughout the season along with a benefit each year. The Women’s Committee was founded in 1921 by Adella Prentiss Hughes, The Cleveland Orchestra’s first general manager. Membership is open to both men and women.
Women’s Committee Executive Committee
- Beth Schreibman Gehring, President
- Barbara Ann Davis, First Vice President
- Naomi G. Singer, Second Vice President
- Linda Ludwig, Third Vice President
- Bonnie Myers, Corresponding Secretary
Blossom Women’s Committee
Former State Chair Phyllis Knauf with Franz Welser-Möst
Blossom Women’s Committee (BWC) was created in 1968 and is dedicated to promoting and sustaining Blossom Music Center and The Cleveland Orchestra. The Committee undertakes projects to further these objectives, as well as raising funds toward Blossom’s long-term financial stability. Activities include sponsoring the Opening Night concert (view 2012 photos) of each summer's Blossom Festival, hosting an annual Orchestra Picnic, presenting a series of meet-the-artist Gourmet Matinee luncheons, and staffing the Blossom Information Center.
The group's "Endless Summer" gala in September 2011 raised $54,000 to support Blossom and The Cleveland Orchestra, with all six chapters of the Blossom Women's Committee participating in the event.
Blossom Women’s Committee Executive Committee
- Claire Frattare, State Chair
- Lis Hugh, First Assistant State Chair
- Kathy Meyer, Recording Secretary
- Nancy Cruikshank, Corresponding Secretary
- Debbie Krutz, Treasurer
- Phyllis Knauf, Ex-Officio, Past State Chair
Blossom Women’s Committe Honorary State Chairs
- Emily Blossom, 1970-1991
- Emily McCartney
- Sylvia Oliver
The Volunteer Council of The Cleveland Orchestra
The Volunteer Council of The Cleveland Orchestra, created in 1998, reinforces the impact of all volunteers on the mission of The Cleveland Orchestra. The Council serves the Orchestra through recruitment, recognition and retention of volunteers, communication and coordination of volunteer groups and Orchestra activities, as well as long-range planning for volunteer needs. Appointed representatives and staff comprise the Council that reports directly to the Musical Arts Association.
Volunteer Council Members
- Faye A. Heston, President
- Mary Abbott
- Claire Frattare
- Beth Schreibman Gehring
- Iris Harvie
- Laurel Kest
- Phyllis Knauf
- Barbara Myers
- Jean Sarlson
- Lori Cohen, Staff Liaison
Summary
Over the last 15 years, these membership organizations have raised
more than $3,000,000 for The Cleveland Orchestra.
For further information, or to join one of these volunteer organizations, contact the Volunteer Office
at Severance Hall, 216-231-7557 or email Lori Cohen at lcohen@clevelandorchestra.com.
Committees and programs are open to all who wish to further our missions.
