The Cleveland Orchestra is one of the major orchestras in the United States. It is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Of the "Big Five" orchestras of America, it is considered to be the most European, and it is often considered one of the finest orchestras in the world:

• January 1994: Time Magazine rated the Cleveland Orchestra the Best Band in the Land.
• December 1994: It was ranked the fourth finest orchestra in the world in the Japanese book, "Sekai no Okesutora 123" (The Orchestras) [1]
• February 7, 2005: Charles Michener 's article “The Clevelanders: Can a world-class orchestra survive Ohio?” in The New Yorker proclaimed the orchestra the finest in America, though he questioned its ability to survive the next century.

The orchestra was founded in 1918 with Nikolai Sokoloff its principal conductor. From early in its existence, it toured across the United States made radio broadcasts and recorded. Subsequent principal conductors have been Artur Rodzinski (1933-43), Erich Leinsdorf (1943-44), George Szell (1946-70), Lorin Maazel (1972-82) and Christoph von Dohnányi (1984-2002). The post is currently held by Franz Welser-Möst .

As well as these figures, the orchestra has made recordings under the baton of Vladimir Ashkenazy, Oliver Knussen and Pierre Boulez, who was also the group's Musical Advisor from 1970 until 1972.

During the summer months the orchestra plays at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio while during the winter months they play at Severance Hall in Cleveland, Ohio.

External link

• Official site