CLEVELAND SINGERS - The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

CLEVELAND SINGERS, the only fully professional chorus in the Cleveland area, was established in 1982 as the Robert Page Singers. Its founder and artistic director, Robert Page, was formerly the choral director of the CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA. Most of its original members were recruited from the chorus of CLEVELAND OPERA. It made its debut with an uncut performance of Handel's Messiah, which has since become an annual tradition. The chorus generally performs 4 subscription concerts a year and frequently tours in the Ohio area. Its size ranges from 28-38 voices, which perform both a cappella or accompanied, according to the dictates of the repertoire. After performing for 10 years at the Beck Ctr. for the Cultural Arts in LAKEWOOD, the chorus moved to Waetjen Auditorium at CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY in 1992. It adopted its present name the following year. Its annual budget of approx. $100,000 has been partially funded by grants from the Ohio Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and other foundations.

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