The Cleveland Orchestra is excited to announce the launch of its 2024-25 season. This marks the 107th season for the orchestra and the 23rd season under the guidance of Music Director Franz Welser-Möst. The season will kick off on September 19.
This year’s lineup is particularly special, featuring 11 guest artists who will be making their first appearances with The Cleveland Orchestra. Additionally, audiences can look forward to two world premieres, two U.S. premieres, and 12 pieces that will be performed in Cleveland for the first time.
Franz Welser-Möst shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, emphasizing the opportunity to embark on a creative journey with the Cleveland audience. The season aims to blend old and new musical pieces, introduce fresh talents, and present a mix of well-loved classics, undiscovered treasures, and exciting new works.
The orchestra will also host several renowned guest conductors, including Esa-Pekka Salonen from the San Francisco Symphony, Daniel Hardin, Klaus Mäkelä, Elim Chan, and Alan Gilbert, who previously conducted the New York Philharmonic.
Among the returning soloists are violinists Augustin Hadelich and Hilary Hahn, pianists Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman, and Marc-André Hamelin. Saxophonist Steven Banks, a former professor at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, will also be featured.
The season opens with a performance that includes Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1, “Classical,” Robert Schumann’s Violin Concerto, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” symphony.
In November, the orchestra will present all five of Ludwig van Beethoven’s piano concertos, featuring Russian-German pianist Igor Levit.
February will see English composer Thomas Adès in Cleveland to conduct a new version of his piece “America: A Prophecy.”
President and CEO André Gremillet expressed his excitement for the season, highlighting the blend of familiar masterpieces and new works. He looks forward to creating more memorable experiences with the audience at Severance Music Center.
The season promises a rich tapestry of musical experiences, from Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” to recitals by Pavel Kolesnikov and Kirill Gerstein, and performances featuring works by Tan Dun, Beethoven, Mahler, and many more. Each concert is an invitation to explore the depths of classical music, from its grand symphonies to intimate chamber pieces.
This season of The Cleveland Orchestra is not just a series of concerts but a journey through the landscape of classical music, offering something for every listener. Whether you’re a long-time classical music enthusiast or new to the genre, this season promises to captivate and inspire.