Richard Smucker

The Cleveland Orchestra raises $1.2 million at annual gala. Richard Smucker, Helen Rankin Butler, Franz Welser-Möst, Michelle Shan Jeschelnig, and André Gremillet pictured.

The Cleveland Orchestra announced today that the 2018 100th Anniversary Gala held on Saturday, September 29 raised - for the fifth year in a row - more than one million dollars. This year's Cleveland Orchestra Gala raised a record-breaking $1,750,000, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the sponsors, patrons, and long-time supporters, as well as the leadership of Gala Chair Norma Lerner; co-chair Nancy W. McCann; corporate co-chair, KeyBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Beth E. Mooney; and corporate co-chair, Cleveland Orchestra Board President Richard K. Smucker. The Gala has nearly doubled the annual revenue in the last six years. The Cleveland Orchestra Gala supports the Orchestra's education and community programs which share the value and joy of music with people throughout Northeast Ohio, enriching the quality of life for all members of our community.

Franz Welser-M st will lead concerts on three continents as part of The Cleveland Orchestra's 100th season in 2017-18, including two trips to Europe, appearances in New York City, and a return to Tokyo's Suntory Hall. All told, over 20 concerts are planned across seven weeks of touring, in addition to the Orchestra's regular home season in Cleveland at Severance Hall.

The Cleveland Orchestra and Music Director Franz Welser-Most have announced details of the Orchestra's 2017-18 calendar.  The season will be the ensemble's 100th year of concerts and marks the launch of its Second Century.  2017-18 is also the 16th year of the Orchestra's acclaimed partnership with Franz Welser-Most. 

At its regular meeting on Friday, March 3, 2017, The Cleveland Orchestra's Board of Trustees elected long-time board member Richard K. Smucker to be the organization's thirteenth Board President.