Severance Hall
Today’s Photo: Severance Hall
AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL CONCERT HALL
From the Cleveland Orchestra website:
“After the Cleveland Orchestra’s inaugural concert at Severance Hall on February 5, 1931, a Cleveland newspaper editorial stated: “We believe that Mr. Severance intended to build a temple to music and not a temple to wealth; and we believe it is his intention that all music lovers should be welcome there.” John Long Severance was the president of the Musical Arts Association from 1921-1936, and he and his wife Elisabeth donated most of the funds necessary to erect the magnificent building meant to be the permanent home of the Orchestra. Severance Hall was designed by Walker & Weeks with an elegant Georgian exterior that harmonized with the classical architecture of other prominent buildings in the
University Circle area. The interior of the building reflects a combination of design styles, including Art Deco, Egyptian Revival, Classicism, and Modernism. The landmark building was recognized as one of the most modern, up-to-date concert facilities in America when it opened in 1931”.
If you would like to learn more about this building or John Long Severance and his wife Elisabeth I highly recommend the book Lost
Cleveland: Seven Wonders of the Sixth City by Michael Dealoia. You can find it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Cleveland-OH-Seven-Wonders/dp/1596298782
Today’s Quote:
I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music. – Billy Joel