Perspectivesfrom the Executive Director February 2017 In these cold and wintery weeks of the year, even with great concerts warming our souls here at Severance Hall, it seems quite encouraging to also think ahead to the warm summer months and the delights of lovely evenings at Blossom surrounded by nature and the pleasures of great music in the great outdoors. Many of you will have read online and in newspapers that we’ve just announced the line-up of artists and programs for the 2017 Blossom Music Festival — with complete details being mailed out in the weeks ahead to ticket buyers and our friends. I look forward to seeing you there this coming summer. Planning each Orchestra season takes time and requires much careful thought and effort behind the scenes. Staff members begin mapping out facility and musician schedules years in advance, in tandem with ongoing discussions with Franz Welser-Möst and our core teams regarding ideas and the capacity (time and money) for new artistic projects. Many choices must be factored in, including guest artists’ schedules, resources, and overall balance. It is neither easy nor simple, but each year we roll out the future for you. Looking back across a number of seasons, it is also instructive to see how various aspects of The Cleveland Orchestra’s seasons have changed and evolved in recent years, very much on purpose. We have added new series and offerings, including annual opera presentations, movie nights, and summer concerts at Severance Hall, as well as varying concert lengths and start times — all to best match the changing needs and desires of you, our audience. After only a year here, I continue to be amazed and greatly impressed by how supportive you are, and by how hard the staff and Orchestra work each year to give you intelligent, interesting, exciting, varied, and emotion-filled programming. We are committed to working every day to be the best orchestra you can imagine. While you are just learning of our Blossom 2017 plans, more plans are also underway. On March 17, here at Severance Hall, we will announce major details of The Cleveland Orchestra’s 100th season for 2017-18. This special year marks an important milestone. We believe, however, that its real importance is not about what we have already achieved, but as the beginning of this institution’s Second Century. The past 99 years of great performances are prelude to everything we can do in the years ahead . . . as we continue to nurture a love for music in people across Northeast Ohio, young and old alike . . . as we deliver excellence in everything we do . . . as we serve you great performances built on the power of music to change lives for the better . . . to spark creativity, and to foster learning and understanding. Everything we have done, everything The Cleveland Orchestra will do is only possible through your enthusiasm, interest, and support. Being here with us, contributing toward the Orchestra’s work financially and intellectually, and with questions and ideas is part of your starring roles. I am grateful each and every day for your interest and dedication, and for the devoted work of the musicians onstage, the staff behind the scenes, and the many volunteers who each take their roles so personally and seriously, to ensure that your Cleveland Orchestra grows each year toward even more extraordinary achievements and success. Thank you.
Severance Hall 2016-17
André Gremillet
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