The Circle Annual Report 2014

Welcome & Introduction

Purpose: The Circle is a group of dynamic young professionals aged 21-40, with access to

world class musical experiences from one of our community’s most important institutions. We offer prominent networking opportunities

and active leadership in our community. Members of The Circle boldly support The Cleveland Orchestra as it enters its second

century.

A Message to the Circle community from President Mackenzie Hutton To the Circle community, This past year was an extraordinary year for The Circle. Not only did we successfully launch the group in January, 2014, but we significantly exceeded our first year membership goal with over 130 members by December and 160+ members to date. I would like to thank you, the Circle membership, for your contributions to an engaged and diverse community of young professionals who all share a love of music. The culture and welcoming nature of our members plays a significant role in the success of the organization and allows us to differentiate ourselves from Cleveland’s many other young professional organizations. In our first year we have increased awareness in the Cleveland young professional community, planned and hosted twelve unique events and kept members connected. I would personally like to thank all of our board members who have given their time, energy and effort over the past year and a half to help develop and lead The Circle through a banner inaugural year. Finally, I would also like to thank The Cleveland Orchestra and its board of trustees for their unwavering support. The Circle has been a success because of the commitment made by The Cleveland Orchestra, both financially and through a dedicated team of associates who provide excellent insight. I am excited to announce that we already had a sizable membership surge in the beginning of 2015 and the board and I are anticipating another great year. As the City of Cleveland continues its renaissance, we look forward to future membership growth opportunities. We will continue to provide unique and exciting programming, volunteer opportunities, membership and community engagement and exclusive access to one of Cleveland’s most treasured institutions. Best regards, Mackenzie Hutton

2014 In Review...

January 14, 2014—Kickoff of The Circle

The grand kickoff of The Circle took place in January 2014. The evening was complete with a

pre-concert reception followed by a concert with The Cleveland Orchestra featuring

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, performed by Yefim Bronfman, Mozart’s “Prague”

Symphony, and a United States premiere of Jörg Widmann’s Teufel Amor.

February 17, 2014 - Behind the Scenes of The Cunning Little Vixen

The Circle got an exclusive first-look preview of the upcoming production of the opera

The Cunning Little Vixen - from the artistic team behind the project. Members learned

about how this project came to be and saw a preview of the animation for the opera

presentation, created especially for this unique production and Severance Hall.

March 7, 2014 - Fridays@7, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody

Circle members enjoyed a resounding performance of Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme

of Paganini. The night continued after the performance as members made their way up to

the Founders Gallery overlooking the Grand Foyer. Drinks and live music were enjoyed by all

who attended.

April 8, 2014 - Tour of Severance Hall

Circle members enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of Severance Hall and learned the history of this world-

famous, beloved Cleveland landmark led by archivist Deborah Hefling and Cleveland Orchestra cellist

Brian Thornton.

May 15, 2014 – The Cunning Little Vixen at Severance Hall

The Circle enjoyed the opera event of the season: an innovative and original

production of Leoš Janáček's The Cunning Little Vixen featuring original animation

projected on three giant 26-foot screens that depicted this tale of love, peril,

freedom, and family.

June 5, 2014 - Recruitment Event at Great Lakes Brewing Company

The Circle hosted an event to recruit new members in the Tasting Room at Great Lakes Brewing

Company, featuring music, drinks, hors d'oeuvres, tours, and networking.

2014 In Review...

July 12, 2014 - Blossom & Beethoven

A night under the stars on the lawn at Blossom Music Center with The Circle and beautiful

music - with a concert featuring music by Wagner, Mendelssohn, and Beethoven's Seventh.

Beforehand, Circle members enjoyed dinner and drinks in the Knight Grove pavilion.

August, 1, 2014 – Summers@Severance: Summer Romance

The Circle enjoyed the launch of a new series as Severance Hall held its first new summer

concert series in nearly half a century. Members enjoyed a concert with works by Ravel

and Rachmaninoff, and afterwards enjoyed drinks and music on Severance Hall’s

beautiful outdoor terrace.

September 26, 2014 – The Circle’s Season Launch Party at Skylight Financial

The Circle held a special preview of the season featuring members of the Orchestra’s

artistic staff and musicians, fresh off a prestigious European Tour. Members learned about

what happens when the Orchestra goes on tour, how a season is put together, and more.

October 24, 2014 – Brahms, Bach, and Mendelssohn

Soprano Yulia van Doren stunned with Bach’s Cantata No. 199 in a concert also featuring

Brahms’s Schicksalslied and Mendelssohn’s Fifth Symphony. Members enjoyed cocktails

and hors d’oeuvres prior to the performance.

November 20, 2014 – Breakfast with Orchestra Board Member Nancy McCann

Members got the exclusive networking opportunity to meet Nancy McCann,

President and Trustee of the John P. Murphy Foundation and the Kulas

Foundation (and a Trustee of The Cleveland Orchestra). Ms. McCann is a

recognized leader in the community and covered a multitude of topics, including

the work she has done on behalf of the Orchestra board, inside the Terminal

Tower Observation Deck (featuring the best views in town).

December 15, 2014 – Engage! Cleveland’s Winter Mix

The Circle celebrated the holiday season and welcomed hundreds of other young professionals to

Severance Hall as a part of Engage! Cleveland's 5th Annual Holiday Mix. This special evening

included a 20-minute chamber music performance by members of The Cleveland Orchestra, a

musical instrument discovery exhibit, networking, a silent auction, and more.

The Circle Leadership Mackenzie Hutton – President Mackenzie Hutton is a native Clevelander and graduated from Hathaway Brown School (’05). Mackenzie earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from Washington and Lee University and is currently the manager of strategic initiatives for Forest City Enterprises, a proud sponsor of The Cleveland Orchestra. She serves as a Programs Committee Co-Chair for the Urban Land Institute’s Cleveland District Council and is a member of ULI’s Commercial Retail Development Council (Blue light). Mackenzie lives in downtown Cleveland and enjoys taking advantage of the wonderful cultural institutions, restaurants and sporting events the city has to offer.

John Paul Siemborski, CPA, MSA – Vice President John Paul Siemborski is a native Clevelander and graduated from St. Ignatius High School (’02). He received both his Bachelor of Business Administration and Masters of Science in Accountancy from Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business. John Paul currently serves as Manager within Ernst and Young’s Transaction Advisory Services practice. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Friends of The Cleveland Public Library and is involved with the Eastman Reading Garden revitalization project. John Paul serves as the President of the Loyola Chicago Alumni Association - Cleveland Chapter, the St. Ignatius Entrepreneurial Academy, and as an Ambassador for Ohio’s Homecoming Committee - CLENYE. In his spare time, John Paul enjoys Cleveland sporting events, comedy clubs and spending time with friends and family.

Marketing Committee

Shibani Faehnle – Secretary/Social Media Chair Shibani Faehnle joined KeyBank in 2005 and is currently an Initiative Development Manager/Collaboration Coordinator with the New Business Development Team within the Corporate Bank. Prior to that, she was the Interim Intern Program Manager for the Corporate Bank. Her past experiences at Key include Vice President with the Private Loan Management Group of KeyBanc Capital Markets. Shibani holds a B.S. in Business Economics and an M.A. in Economics from Miami University (Ohio). She is a board member for Key’s Young Professional Business Networking Group and is a member of the Leadership Committee for the Asian Key Business Networking Group. She is a former board member and current active volunteer for Secondhand Mutts.

Andrew Singer– Marketing Chair Andrew Singer has been with the Cleveland Leadership Center since 2011. He serves as the program coordinator for all Cleveland Leadership Center flagship programs. He began his career at the Cleveland Leadership Center as programs and operations associate in February 2011 and became program coordinator in July 2011. Andrew is a 2010 graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Andrew, born and raised in the Cleveland area, helps with the Miami University Alumni Cleveland Chapter, is a mentor through College Now Greater Cleveland, is an active member of the CMA Column & Stripe, Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club and a frequent volunteer with Hands On Northeast Ohio.

Steven Paille – JD, MA, PHR/SHRM-CP – Archiving Chair Steven Paille is currently a Senior Consultant within Ernst & Young's Human Capital Practice. Steven came to Cleveland in 2010 and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He also received a Master of Arts in Political Science from West Virginia University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Hartwick College. Steven also serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors at Hartwick College and is a member of the Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group. He is trained in the alto saxophone. Steven lives in Cleveland Heights and grew up in San Francisco and New England.

Membership Committee Brendan Sweeney – Membership Chair Brendan Sweeney was born and raised in Mentor, OH, and currently resides on Cleveland’s near west side. Upon graduating from Ohio State in 2002 with a degree in accounting, he joined the Cleveland office of Grant Thornton LLP’s audit practice. In 2005, he joined Forest City Enterprises where he has held several accounting related roles. He is currently a supervisor with the company’s corporate accounting department. His hobbies include running, reading, checking out new restaurants and spending time with his six nieces and nephews. His previous volunteer board experience includes The Covenant, Inc. from 2009 -2012.

Events and Fundraising Committee

Mary Margaret LaVenia – Events/Fundraising Co-Chair Mary Margaret LaVenia is currently the Public Relations and Outreach Specialist at Great Lakes Brewing Company, who is a proud sponsor of the Cleveland Orchestra. She graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College with a Bachelors of Arts in Speech Communication in 2001. Mary also serves on the Board of Directors for the Ohio City Merchants Association. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, sailing, kayaking, biking and time spent with her fiancé, friends and family. Mary is originally from New Washington, Ohio and was classically trained in piano.

Sherry Yu – Events/Fundraising Co-Chair Sherry Yu is currently a third year medical student at Case School of Medicine. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Case Western Reserve University in 2011. Sherry is classically trained in piano and violin. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, discovering new cuisines, and spending time with friends and family. Sherry is originally from Chicago, Illinois.

Kristen Grabenstein – Past Membership Chair Kristen Grabenstein is the Community Relations Specialist for Forest City Enterprises. In her role, she is responsible for community outreach initiatives including charitable giving and volunteer efforts. She also serves on the operating committee of the Forest City chapter of the United Way Young Leaders. Kristen is passionate about the arts, having begun her career in fundraising for nonprofit theatre in New York City. She currently serves on the board of Dobama Theatre in Cleveland Heights. Kristen holds a Bachelors Degree in Business from Miami University and a Masters in Nonprofit Arts Administration from New York University. She lives in Shaker Heights with her husband, Matt, and daughter, Lucy.

The Circle Leadership

“From thrilling concerts featuring world-class musicians to opportunities to

network with dynamic Northeast Ohio young professionals, The Circle has been

an incredibly enriching experience.”

-Michele Stover

“The access and the opportunity that The Circle has had has been really amazing. I’m fortunate to be part of a group of

likeminded individuals who are passionate about this institution, about

classical music, and who want to get involved. And the fact that the orchestra has given us the opportunity to do so has

really made an impact on us and other young professionals in the community.”

-Andrew Singer

"When I think of the Circle, I think back to this past summer when we were bused out to

Blossom for a concert. During the bus ride I sat with a paleontologist and an architect. We

spent the entire time together - by the night's end it felt like I'd just spent it with old friends. And essentially, that's the reason I joined the

Circle - to connect with other young professionals who have a mutual appreciation

for classical music."

-Annie Weiss

Looking Ahead

Upcoming Events in 2015 Wednesday, May 27 Special Opera Event: Strauss’s Daphne Thursday, June 4 The Circle at Great Lakes Brewing Company July, Date TBD Concert at Blossom Music Center August, Date TBD Summers@Severance

“The Circle is a great way to access a great institution.

Cleveland’s future depends on its younger generation and I’m

pleased that The Cleveland Orchestra has responded with such a dynamic, relevant, and

fun organization. ”

- Michael Zeleniuch

2015 Goals 1. Enhance our membership experience

through further relationship development. 2. Continue to grow and diversify our

membership. 3. Increase our community awareness. 4. Support The Cleveland Orchestra through

fundraising and volunteerism.

You Can Do More!

If you would like to make a donation to The Cleveland Orchestra, please call Liz at 216.231.7522 or go to clevelandorchestra.com and click on “Support and Volunteers.”

Get more involved Do you want to help plan events, spread the word about The Circle, or help improve the Circle experience? Email thecircle@clevelandorchestra.com to join a committee and get involved!

“One of the great benefits of being a Circle member is getting discounted

tickets to regular concerts throughout the season, so you can take your family or

friends to a concert whenever you like.“

- Emily Farinacci

“The Circle, with the world-renowned

Cleveland Orchestra at its center and great

people in its circumference, continues to

provide an unrivaled atmosphere for a fun

and festive, sophisticated, creatively

provocative and artistically compelling night

on the town.”

– Aaron A. O’Brien

Circle members had the opportunity to volunteer at the Lakewood Family YMCA

as part of The Orchestra’s At Home in Lakewood Residency and at Blossom Music Center as part of the 2014 Gay

Games.

Special Thanks

The support from the Board of Trustees, Staff and Musicians of The

Cleveland Orchestra has been pivotal in our success. Through

time, expertise, financial support and incredible musical

performances, The Cleveland Orchestra has supported us through our inception to our current thriving

membership.

“The Circle brings music lovers together for concerts and networking events,

enabling them to connect with musicians, the music, and colleagues in the arts and business communities. The enthusiasm

of these young people represents the future.”

-Gary Hanson

Executive Director of The Cleveland Orchestra

“The Circle has provided Cleveland young professional's the opportunity to

re-discover the beauty and grace of classical music. Additionally, it provides further

appreciation for the architecture and history of this great City. I am proud to be affiliated with an organization that makes Cleveland

internationally recognized.”

- Eric Siemborski

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