The Cleveland Orchestra has announced that it has received a $5 million gift from The Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation.

The gift will be to support the Kelvin Smith Family Chair held by Music Director Franz Welser-Möst.

The next three years will see the orchestra celebrate its historic partnership with Welser-Möst, who will step down from the position when his contract ends in June 2027 and will become the longest-serving musical leader in the ensemble’s history.

In a statement, Ellen Stirn Mavec, President and Chairman of the foundation and granddaughter of the late Kelvin and Eleanor Smith said, “In 1979, my grandfather recognized and appreciated the artistic excellence of The Cleveland Orchestra and named the Music Director’s position with a generous gift. The Smith Foundation wishes to applaud Franz Welser-Möst’s impactful leadership with a meaningful gift honoring his longstanding commitment to Cleveland.”

Welser-Möst is among today’s most distinguished conductors and has worked with the orchestra for over 22 years. He has taken the orchestra around the world in 20 international tours and in 2020, the ensemble launched its own recording label and new streaming broadcast platform.