Sure, we all know Severance Hall as the iconic home to the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra. Its Egyptian Revival, classical and modernist architecture makes for a beautiful backdrop for the classical stylings of Chopin, Mozart or Strauss.
But for us, that night out usually starts with a pre-concert drink at nearby L’Albatros Brasserie & Bar, Trentina or standing awkwardly in the hall’s lobby with a glass of wine in hand.
The grand opening of Severance Hall’s Opus Lounge this weekend changes all of that. Located in the Lerner Lobby, the art deco-inspired lounge has intimate seating both inside and out that connects to the history of the 1931-built Severance Hall.
With a black-and-white color scheme and pops of gold, the space feels cozy and intimate thanks to decor touches by VNTG Home, Cleveland Lighting and Marshall Carpet One. Right outside, grand pianos lend themselves to additional seating and got us in the mood for the night’s performance — Samuel Barber’s The School of Scandal, Alberto Ginastera’s Cello Concerto No. 2 and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade conducted by Gustavo Gimeno.
And if you need a bite before or after, the small plates menu doesn’t overwhelm with options such as smoked salmon canapes and desserts like chocolate mousse cake with berry coulis. As for drinks, you’ll find a selection of beer, wine and cocktails dubbed the Cleveland Orchestra Tour cocktails such as the 1957 Poland, made with Polish vodka, Aperol, simple syrup and basil or the 2003 Vienna, a mix of lager and sparkling lemonade.
