The Cleveland Orchestra announced plans for an ambitious global tour that will take the renowned ensemble to six continents over ten weeks beginning in September 2026. Music Director Klaus Mäkelä, who assumed his position in 2024, will conduct all 42 concerts scheduled across major cities including Tokyo, Sydney, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Vienna, and Dubai. The tour represents the orchestra’s most significant international presence since its acclaimed European tours of the 1970s under George Szell and will showcase both classical repertoire and contemporary works by living composers.
The tour program features a carefully curated selection highlighting the orchestra’s versatility and technical excellence. Centerpiece works include Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and the complete Brahms symphony cycle. The orchestra will also perform newly commissioned pieces by contemporary composers including Cleveland native Margaret Brouwer and internationally recognized artists Kaija Saariaho and Thomas Adès. Each concert will include at least one work by an American composer, reinforcing the orchestra’s commitment to promoting American classical music on the world stage.
Preparations for the tour have been underway for over two years, with significant logistical challenges including the transportation of instruments, coordination with local venues, and scheduling that allows musicians adequate rest between performances. The tour is estimated to cost $18 million, funded through a combination of performance fees, private donations, and a $5 million grant from the National Endowment for the Arts specifically designated for cultural diplomacy initiatives. Andre Gremillet, the orchestra’s president and CEO, emphasized that the tour represents not only an artistic milestone but also an opportunity to showcase Cleveland’s cultural excellence to a global audience.
The orchestra’s international reputation has grown substantially under Mäkelä’s dynamic leadership. At 30 years old, the Finnish conductor has brought fresh energy to the ensemble while honoring its distinguished legacy. Critics have praised his interpretations for their clarity, emotional depth, and innovative programming choices. The upcoming tour has generated significant international media attention, with performances already sold out in Tokyo, London, and Berlin. For Cleveland, the tour serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s enduring contributions to the global arts community and the Cleveland Orchestra’s status as one of the world’s finest musical institutions.