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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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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