Severance Hall

Severance Hall. It is the home of the internationally renowned Cleveland Orchestra, serving as both its primary performance venue and administrative headquarters. The hall was a gift from John L. Severance in memory of his wife, Elisabeth Huntingdon DeWitt Severance, and was designed by the noted Cleveland firm of Walker and Weeks. Since its gala opening in 1931, it has been celebrated for its exquisite Art Deco and Neoclassical architecture, its historically significant pipe organ, and its evolution into one of the world's most acoustically perfect spaces for symphonic music.

History

The hall's construction was initiated by John L. Severance, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist, following the death of his wife. The project was managed by the orchestra's then-music director, Nikolai Sokoloff, and the building committee was led by Adella Prentiss Hughes, a key figure in Cleveland's musical development. Groundbreaking occurred in 1929, just before the stock market crash, and the hall opened on February 5, 1931, with a concert featuring Wagner's *Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg* Prelude. Early seasons saw performances by legendary artists like Marian Anderson and Sergei Rachmaninoff, establishing its prestige. For decades, it also served as the home of the Cleveland Institute of Music and hosted the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus.

Architecture

Designed by the architectural firm Walker and Weeks, the exterior combines a sleek Georgian-style limestone facade with subtle Art Deco motifs. The interior is a lavish synthesis of styles, most famously exemplified by the Art Deco E. M. Skinner concert organ in the Reinberger Chamber Hall. The main Bunshaft auditorium, originally decorated in a "Modern Egyptian" style with motifs referencing Ancient Egypt, was later redesigned. Notable spaces include the grand Severance lobby with its marble floors, the elegant Harkness Chapel, and the intricate Milan glass mosaics. The building's design reflects the opulence and optimism of pre-Great Depression American architecture.

Acoustics and renovations

The hall's original acoustics, designed by R. F. Mahoney, were considered overly dry and problematic, leading to several major renovations. The most significant acoustic redesign was undertaken in 1958 by the firm of Cyril M. Harris, in consultation with then-music director George Szell, which involved removing the original decorative canopy and reshaping the stage and proscenium. A second major renovation, the "$36 million" restoration and expansion project led by David M. Schwarz/Architectural Services Inc., was completed in 2000. This project meticulously restored historic interiors, expanded backstage facilities, and further refined the acoustics under the guidance of Jaffe Holden Acoustics, solidifying its reputation for sonic excellence.

Cleveland Orchestra residency

As the permanent home of the Cleveland Orchestra, the hall has been the creative center for every one of its music directors, from Nikolai Sokoloff to Franz Welser-Möst. The orchestra's celebrated Decca and Columbia discographies, under maestros like George Szell and Christoph von Dohnányi, were largely recorded within its walls. The institution's educational initiatives, such as the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and family concerts, are based here. Its annual schedule includes the Miami residency preview concerts, Blossom Festival programming, and the festive Christmas performances.

Notable performances and recordings

The stage has hosted countless historic events, including the 1933 U.S. premiere of Mahler's *Das Lied von der Erde* under Artur Rodziński. Leonard Bernstein made his Cleveland debut here, and Igor Stravinsky conducted his own works. The hall is synonymous with the landmark recordings of the Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell, including the complete Beethoven symphonies and works by Brahms, Dvořák, and Richard Strauss. More recent recording projects for Deutsche Grammophon and live broadcasts for WCLV and WQXR have originated from its auditorium.

Cultural significance

A designated Cleveland Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is a cornerstone of the city's University Circle cultural district, neighbored by the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Western Reserve Historical Society. It represents a major achievement in American cultural philanthropy and concert hall design. The hall actively engages with the community through its "Center for Future Audiences" and open-house events, ensuring its role extends beyond that of a mere performance venue. It stands as an enduring symbol of Cleveland's commitment to the arts and architectural heritage.