Cleveland Orchestra is stunned by record $50 million gift

The orchestra in one of America’s most rundown rustbelt towns has just received a staggering gift of $50 million from a family of supporters, the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation. It is possibly the largest single grant ever received by a US orchestra.

By way of gratitude, the orchestra has renamed its hallowed hall. Formerly known as Severance Hall after the founding benefactor John Long Severance, it will now become the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hall.

The building name will transition from Severance Hall to Severance Music Center.

Dr. Jehuda Reinharz, President and CEO of the Mandel Foundation, and Stephen H. Hoffman, Chairman, said, “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.”

Franz Welser-Möst, Music Director, said, “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.”