Cleveland Orchestra Generates $135 Million Impact Annually

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Orchestra generates $135 million annually for Northeast Ohio, according to a study commissioned by the organization. The orchestra's impact is felt across seven Ohio counties.

“The Cleveland Orchestra provides terrific value to the people of Northeast Ohio and is an invaluable asset in helping our company recruit the best talent from around the nation,” said Richard Smucker, chair of Cleveland Orchestra and executive chairman of The J.M. Smucker Company. “The Cleveland Orchestra is also the only art form from this region that travels the globe every year, and as such it performs an important role as ambassador for the city. By carrying the name of Cleveland in this way, the Orchestra provides many of our region’s companies with exciting connections to new international business possibilities.”

The primary economic benefit created by the orchestra comes from its Severance Hall performances and summer concerts at Blossom Music Center, according to the study by research firm Kleinhenz & Associates and Case Western Reserve University. The orchestra generates about $116 million from its operations and $19.4 million from visitors to the region.

Specifically, the orchestra generates $99.5 million in economic activity within Cuyahoga County. Last year, there were 159,000 guests at Severance Hall, who spent $11.2 million during their visits, not including ticket sales. About 45 percent of those guests came from outside Cuyahoga County.

The Cleveland Orchestra also helped generate nearly 1,300 jobs, which are accountable for $60 million in annual payroll income. The study found the orchestra had positive impacts on dining, hotels, travel and the region's overall performing arts community.

“For more than a century, The Cleveland Orchestra has been committed to presenting inspirational and unrivaled music performances for audiences across Northeast Ohio — and around the world,” said Orchestra CEO André Gremillet. “This remarkable ensemble has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to engaging the members of its community by participating in a wealth of educational programs for people of all ages. Although many Clevelanders possess a deep and enduring appreciation for the Orchestra’s musical and cultural significance, we hope this study also helps people understand the organization’s economic value to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.”