Cleveland Orchestra reaches out with bundle of new community programs

Posted August 20, 2012 in Articles

Author: Zachary Lewis

Proving that adversity truly does breed creativity, the Cleveland Orchestra today is announcing a broad range of new programs conceived in a ongoing effort to rejuvenate its audience.

Its $2.7 million deficit notwithstanding, the orchestra has formalized plans to offer free tickets to young people at Severance Hall, collaborate on a fully staged production of "The Nutcracker" and greatly bolster its partnerships with area schools and cultural organizations, including a "residency" in Cleveland's Gordon Square.

"The two go together perfectly," said Gary Hanson, the orchestra's executive director. "There's a direct relationship between relevance to the community and financial stability."

Perhaps the most notable of several new initiatives being announced today (along with details of the 2012-13 "Celebrity" and "Fridays@7" series) is the expansion of the "Under 18s Free" program, a well-received arrangement supported by the orchestra's Center for Future Audiences.

Original Article: http://www.cleveland.com/musicdance/index.ssf/2012/08/cleveland_orchestra_reaches_ou.html