The Cleveland Orchestra Receives $5 Million Gift 

Endowed by the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation, the gift will support the orchestra’s Music Director Franz Welser-Möst

The Cleveland Orchestra has received a $5 million gift from The Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation in support of the Kelvin Smith Family Chair held by Music Director Franz Welser-Möst. 

Over the next three years, the orchestra will celebrate its historic partnership with Welser-Möst, who will step down from the role when his contract ends in June 2027. By that time, he will become the longest-serving musical leader in the ensemble’s history. 

A private family foundation that makes grants to nonprofit, charitable organizations in Cleveland, the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation supports nonprofits, creativity, fiscal responsibility, and dynamic leadership toward creating a positive impact for Cleveland’s citizens. 

Welser-Möst’s upcoming performances include leading the orchestra in two different programs at Severance Music Center and the Blossom Music Center.

These concerts will be a preview of the featured repertoire on Cleveland Orchestra’s upcoming European tour, including Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, and Schumann’s Piano Concerto featuring soloist Víkingur Ólafsson.

Founded by Adella Prentiss Hughes, the Cleveland Orchestra performed its inaugural concert in December 1918. The 2024/25 season will mark Welser-Möst’s 23rd year as music director.

“In 1979, my grandfather recognized and appreciated the artistic excellence of The Cleveland Orchestra and named the Music Director’s position with a generous gift,” said Ellen Stirn Mavec, President and Chairman of the foundation and granddaughter of the late Kelvin and Eleanor Smith, in the press release. “The Smith Foundation wishes to applaud Franz Welser-Möst’s impactful leadership with a meaningful gift honoring his longstanding commitment to Cleveland.”

“I want to express my gratitude to The Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation for this gift, which demonstrates a lasting commitment to The Cleveland Orchestra and to bringing world-class symphonic music to Greater Cleveland,” expressed Welser-Möst. “After 23 years of my partnership with The Cleveland Orchestra, I continue to be astounded by the breadth and depth of what we have accomplished together.” 

“We are extremely grateful to Ellen Mavec and the Board of the Smith Foundation for their support of The Cleveland Orchestra and for this remarkable gift in recognition of Franz Welser-Möst and his lasting impact on both the Orchestra and the city,” added André Gremillet, Cleveland Orchestra’s President and CEO. “As we celebrate Franz’s storied career in Cleveland and benefit from his last three years as Music Director, we also honor the generous contributions of the Smith family to our institution.”