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the Cleveland Orchestra reviews

Could be worse but lots of improvements needed - Anonymous employee the Cleveland Orchestra Employee Review

3.0
Aug 31, 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Fair warning this was two years ago but from what I have heard little has changed. There are certain individuals who are wonderful, my own personal manager was great (sadly no longer there). The salary is alright for a nonprofit in Cleveland. Health insurance is great, pro-rated based on salary so if you earn less you pay less and the coverage is really decent (for at least how I used it). Free dental insurance. PTO is alright. Free tickets if there is availability. There almost always is except for select concerts like when Dohnanyi conducted Beethoven's 9th.

Cons

Constant turnover and constant restructuring in most of the departments (a few select individuals are the entire reason the administration keeps running and at least when I was there none of them were in senior management). No weigh in from non senior management or musicians. Feels always like a musician vs. administration war (as is the situation at most orchestras). Retirement benefits are terrible, 2% match and you're not full vested until five years (not sure who has made it that long). In the development department specifically, a member of senior management was caught having at least one inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.

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the Cleveland Orchestra Response
10y
Information on retirement plan is incorrect. The orchestra has a defined contribution plan; all staff may contribute to a 403(b) and, after one year of employment, the organization contributes 2% and will also match up to 2% - a possible 6% contribution. The comment about being "vested after until 5 years" seems to be referring to the defined benefit plan (pension plan) which was frozen in 2009. No one has been invested in the pension plan since 2009 and the 403(b) defined contribution is as good as any non-profit in the area.

Explore other reviews about the Cleveland Orchestra

5.0
Sep 12, 2024
Director
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The orchestra is one of the best, if not the best, in the world. The musicians and staff are extremely talented and very friendly. Compensation is very fair for the field and location. Generous PTO benefit. Strong ability to move up in the organization over time. The mission is excellent.

Cons

Depending on the department you work for, the hours can be very long and the work environment can be intense. Not a significant 403b company contribution or match.

1.0
Aug 18, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The Orchestra is impressive and well regarded.

Cons

Work in silo, management is not talented enough to really be allowing of initiative. Some people have tried to lead change but in the end, this leadership will always go back to the same old had.

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