Cleveland Orchestra Raises $1.2 Million For Education Programs

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Orchestra raised more than $1 million over the weekend. The money will be used to fund the orchestra's education and community programs.

The orchestra held its Gala Evening on Saturday. For the sixth consecutive year, the event raised more than $1 million for the institution.

"This year’s Gala was magnificent and a great evening for our Cleveland community,” said orchestra CEO André Gremillet.“We experienced a performance by our extraordinary Orchestra, lively conversation with guests, and a spectacular dinner in the Concert Hall. I’d like to extend my deep gratitude to honorary chairs Norma Lerner, Beth E. Mooney, Nancy W. McCann, and Richard K. Smucker. Through their leadership — and the support of all who attended —Cleveland’s Orchestra continues to bring our community together and enrich people’s lives through music."

The Gala included a performance by the orchestra, conducted by Franz Welser-Möst, with selections from Richard Strauss' Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme and a suite from his opera Der Rosenkavalier. Cocktails followed the performance and dinner was served inside the concert hall.

"I’m also grateful to music director Franz Welser-Möst and the talented musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra for the commitment, passion, and artistry they demonstrate every week during rehearsals and during each concert throughout the season," Gremillet said.