Cleveland Hall Renaming Severance Hall After Receiving $50 Million Grant

The orchestra will receive the largest gift in its 103-year history from the Cleveland-based Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation

André Gremillet, President & CEO of The Cleveland Orchestra, announced that the $50 million grant will greatly strengthen the finances of the institution while increasing its impact on its local and global community.

The gift, one of the most significant ever made to any major symphony orchestra, is also the largest in the Mandel Foundation’s 68-year history.

In an act of philanthropy, the largest portion of the grant — $31.5 million — is being dedicated to endowment funds, bolstering the orchestra’s financial foundation and supporting a Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Opera and Humanities Festival.

Other funds in the grant will go toward supporting and expanding the orchestra’s programs and partnerships. The grant will provide an opportunity for The Cleveland Orchestra to expand their global access by investing in digital infrastructure and content choices through the ensemle's streaming platform, “Adella.”

In recognition of the magnitude and long-term impact of the gift, the orchestra is naming its main performance space the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hall. The name of the orchestra’s building will also change from Severance Hall to Severance Music Center.

This expanded designation will continue to honor the foundational importance of John L. Severance’s leadership as integral to the orchestra’s legacy while signaling that the Music Center encompasses both Mandel Concert Hall and Reinberger Chamber Hall — and serves as a musical gathering place for the entire community.

“This unprecedented gift lays the groundwork for The Cleveland Orchestra’s second century, supporting our long-term capacity to offer extraordinary musical performances and inspiring programs while transforming our ability to reach audiences far beyond the physical limits of our building," André Gremillet said. "Like the Orchestra, the Mandel Foundation combines a global outlook with a deep commitment to the Cleveland community. We will forever be grateful to the Foundation for its extraordinary generosity."

Dr. Jehuda Reinharz, President and CEO of the Mandel Foundation, and Chairman Stephen H. Hoffman added, “The Mandel Foundation has made this grant because of the Mandel brothers’ deep commitment to the vitality of Cleveland and a belief in the value of the humanities to shape an enriched spirit of life. The world-class level of music of The Cleveland Orchestra is the embodiment of both, and with this gift we hope to help ensure that it will be available for generations to come.”

Music Director Franz Welser-Möst commented, “As the Orchestra prepares to embark on its 104th season, we are moved and inspired by this remarkable recognition of our work. The musicians and audiences will feel the benefits of the Mandel Foundation’s gift almost immediately, starting with the upgrades to the building which will allow us to continue capturing video for our digital offerings.”