Community Programs
Uniting our community through music. Find us in your neighborhood and attend free annual community concerts.
In the Community
By collaborating closely with local neighborhoods, The Cleveland Orchestra creates long-term, sustainable programs that musically address their unique needs.
New Voices, New Music
Partnering with Cleveland Classical Guitar Society and El Comité Mexicano de Cleveland, musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra brought to life the pieces of 2 composers. Hermelindo Ruiz explores Puerto Rican musical styles as he reflects on being a part of, yet separate from, mainstream American culture and Thomas Flippin examines the dual viruses of COVID-19 and racism, calling attention to the pervasive ways they have infected American society.
These 3 works are part of a series designed to increase cultural understanding and awareness of important social issues, and was supported by the Cleveland Foundation.
Community Concert Highlights
Every summer, Cleveland Orchestra staff and musicians are #IntheCommunity! Check out this highlight reel showcasing some of our continued community partner relationships and summer performances from 2021. Clips include performances at festivals all over Cleveland like La Placita, Cleveland Cultural Gardens One World Day, and Hispanic Heritage Month at Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center. Other performance locations included the Cozad-Bates House, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Metro Health Hospitals, and other neighborhood pop-ups!
Music Mentors
Hear from Cleveland School of the Arts orchestra students about their experience making music with #ClevelandOrchestra musicians in the CSA Music Mentors program.
44th Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
For over 40 years, The Cleveland Orchestra has celebrated the unifying message and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This dynamic musical program, performed by The Cleveland Orchestra in the historic Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Concert Hall, features outstanding soloists, the MLK Community Chorus, and the presentation of the Community Service Awards.
Concert & Broadcast DetailsCommunity Service Awards
Each year, The Cleveland Orchestra recognizes individuals or organizations who have positively impacted Cleveland in the spirit of the teachings and example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
See 2021 Recipients View Past RecipientsMLK Community Chorus
Community partners from across Northeast Ohio will join The Cleveland Orchestra’s Community Celebration with live music, theatre, and arts performances honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy. All are invited to join this free, in-person at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hall!
Register Now Learn MoreMartin Luther King Jr. Celebration Chorus
The MLK Chorus lifts its collective voice in affirmation of Dr. King’s vision of justice, peace and human harmony. Assembled since 1989 to sing as part of the annual MLK Celebration Concert, this volunteer community chorus brings together singers from across Northeast Ohio and is directed by William Henry Caldwell.
Play It Forward
Give children the pride, the joy, and the lifetime benefits music-making provides
For many of us, it’s difficult to imagine a world without music. But for countless children in Cleveland, this is the reality. Let’s work together to get instruments into the hands and lives of Cleveland’s children. Join Cleveland City Councilman Kevin Conwell, The Cleveland Orchestra, Arts Cleveland, Center for Arts Inspired Learning and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to Play It Forward Cleveland!
Join the Cause