Blossom Music Center

Blossom Music Center, the summer home of The Cleveland Orchestra, opened in 1968 and has welcomed thousands of music fans over the last 50-plus years.

Site visit (1966/1966) by Plain DealerThe Cleveland Orchestra

George Szell arriving for a site visit

Starting in the mid-1960s, The Cleveland Orchestra began scouting the surrounding area for a place to build a permanent summer home. Music Director George Szell wanted to offer the musicians year-round employment and bring the summer concerts to a wider audience. 

Plans (1966/1966) by Peter HastingsThe Cleveland Orchestra

Looking at potential grounds

After visiting over 80 sites, an area just north of Akron, Ohio was deemed a good fit. It was not near a major highway or airport and had a natural bowl shape that lent itself beautifully for lawn seating. 

Blossom model (1966/1966) by UnknownThe Cleveland Orchestra

Early model for the new music center

Christopher Jaffee (acoustician, left) with Assistant Conductor Louis Lane, Music Director George Szell, and Peter van Dijk (architect, right) looking at one of the first models for the outdoor pavilion in the Board Room at Severance in 1966.

Blossom drawing (1966/1966) by UnknownThe Cleveland Orchestra

Early sketch of Blossom Music Center

This early sketch of the pavilion and lawn shows the iconic shape designed for optimal acoustics and a park-like setting that would become a Blossom hallmark.

Site visit with musicians (1967/1967) by UnknownThe Cleveland Orchestra

Musicians visit the site

It took many months to purchase all the parcels of land for Blossom. Musicians were finally allowed to visit once the paperwork was in order. On this trip, the wilderness was untamed before construction began. 

Groundbreaking (1967/1967) by Peter HastingsThe Cleveland Orchestra

Members of the Blossom family breaking ground in 1967

Blossom Music Center was named in honor of the Dudley S. Blossom Sr. and Dudley S. Blossom Jr. families whose support extends from the beginning of the Orchestra in 1918 through today. The Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name the new center in their honor in 1966.

Beginnings (1967/1967) by Imperiale StudiosThe Cleveland Orchestra

Hole in the Ground

Once the trees were cleared, construction began. The plan was to have the outdoor music venue open for the 1968 summer season. 

Foundation and basement (1967/1967) by Imperiale StudiosThe Cleveland Orchestra

Foundations

Blossom Music Center contains a myriad of underground rooms including rehearsal space, lounge areas, and dressing rooms. 

Frame completion (1968/1968) by Imperiale StudiosThe Cleveland Orchestra

Frame

Here you see the last piece of the frame coming into place at the top of the steel arch. Blossom contains 1,250 tons of steel.

Szell and architect (1968/1968) by UnknownThe Cleveland Orchestra

George Szell and Peter van Dijk

Back of frame (1968/1968) by Imperiale StudiosThe Cleveland Orchestra

Back view of Frame

Aerial view of frame (1968/1968) by UnknownThe Cleveland Orchestra

Aerial view of the pavilion with no roof or interior

Interior (1968/1968) by Imperiale StudiosThe Cleveland Orchestra

Interior with back seats installed

Interior stage view (1968/1968) by UnknownThe Cleveland Orchestra

Stage

Roof beginnings (1968/1968) by UnknownThe Cleveland Orchestra

Roof being installed

Pavilion (1968/1968) by UnknownThe Cleveland Orchestra

Roof completion

Interior side view (1968/1968) by UnknownThe Cleveland Orchestra

Completed stage with seats installed

Opening Night (1968/1968) by Peter HastingsThe Cleveland Orchestra

George Szell conducts the national anthem

Opening night of Blossom Music Center, July 19. 1968, included speeches by Mrs. Dudley Blossom, Jr. and Frank Joseph, president of the board.

Opening Night program, Archives, 1968/1968, From the collection of: The Cleveland Orchestra
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Opening Night, unknown, 1968/1968, From the collection of: The Cleveland Orchestra
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Blossom lawn with guests (2018/2018) by Roger MastrioanniThe Cleveland Orchestra

Families, Fun, and the Future

Blossom Music Center has hosted over 10 million guests across more than five decades of classical music concerts. The youngest audience members often get their introduction to The Cleveland Orchestra at these concerts as families picnic on the lawn. 

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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