Archives
More than a century's worth of stories
The Archives
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.
Stories from the Archives
The institution’s historical heritage is expressed in a wide variety of media such as documents, sound recordings, photographic materials, and artifacts.
Resources
Severance Music Center: Cleveland’s “Giant Jewel Box”
Severance Music Center and The Cleveland Orchestra have been cultural icons in Cleveland for so many decades that it can be challenging to imagine the city without them. Colloquially known as “America’s Finest,” the Orchestra has garnered acclaim since its founding in 1918.
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Adella Prentiss Hughes: The Mother of The Cleveland Orchestra
Meet Adella Prentiss Hughes, whose vision, determination, and largesse led to the founding of The Cleveland Orchestra in 1918.
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Individual Dedication, Collective Artistry: A History of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus
The Cleveland Orchestra consistently garners praise for its highly-cultivated sound and style — and rightfully so — but there is one element of performance that too-often escapes notice: the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus.
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From Ballparks to Concert Halls: Innovations in Opera with The Cleveland Orchestra
Ever since the founding of the Musical Arts Association in 1915, opera has held a strong presence in Cleveland.
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The Prometheus Project
In May of 2018, The Cleveland Orchestra’s Centennial Season culminated in The Prometheus Festival, which brought together discussions around modern, everyday heroes with Beethoven’s musical genius. The essays, archival media, and conversations that ensued are now available here for you to revisit.
The Cleveland Orchestra gratefully acknowledges generous funding from the National Endowment for the Arts in support of this project.
Scrapbook 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.
Cleveland Public Library Digital Gallery
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.
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.