Cleveland Orchestra Receives $7 Million Gift to Fund Educational Concerts

The donation was made by Jane B. Nord, a long-term donor who was recently honored with a Distinguished Service Award

The Cleveland Orchestra announced that it has received a generous gift of $7 million from donor Jane B. Nord and the Jane Nord Family Fund. The donation has made it possible for the orchestra to create a series of orchestral concerts for students — to be titled the Jane B. and Eric T. Nord Education Concerts — which will now be funded in perpetuity.

This gift is not the first donated by Nord, who created the Access Fund in 2019 and saw her cover the cost of concert tickets for all local schools, affording every child the opportunity to attend the orchestra's educational concerts.

"The Cleveland Orchestra played a major role in how I valued music throughout my life, and it’s important for young people in our area to have that same opportunity," said Jane B. Nord.

"I’ve been privileged to watch the reactions of children experiencing The Cleveland Orchestra in Education concerts and seeing their enthusiasm confirms the importance of music in the development of children."

In recognition of her long-term service to The Cleveland Orchestra, Jane B. Nord was honored with a Distinguished Service Award on the evening of March 2, 2023.

Founded in 1918, The Cleveland Orchestra performs in Severance Hall and is currently directed by Franz Welser-Möst.

"We are deeply grateful for the continued and extraordinary support from Jane B. Nord," said André Gremillet, The Cleveland Orchestra’s President and CEO.

"Thanks to her vision and generosity, The Cleveland Orchestra’s Education Concerts at Severance Music Center will be more accessible than ever for Northeast Ohio’s students. Her latest gift will make it possible to introduce more children to music, fostering their love and appreciation for the artform while creating memories that last a lifetime."