The Cleveland Orchestra is recognizing Richard K. Smucker, Chairman Emeritus of The J.M. Smucker Company, for his extensive contributions and leadership as he concludes his tenure as Chairman of the Orchestra’s Board of Trustees. Smucker will receive the institution’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, during the October 9 concert at Severance Music Center. This award celebrates individuals whose dedication has significantly shaped the Orchestra’s success.
In addition to the award, the Orchestra is creating the Richard K. Smucker President & CEO Chair, its first-ever permanently named staff position. This honor commemorates Smucker’s nine-year tenure as Board Chair, during which he provided crucial guidance and demonstrated significant generosity. The named chair will permanently associate his name with the Orchestra’s leadership role, acknowledging his transformative impact.
Smucker has been a Trustee of The Cleveland Orchestra since 1989, serving on various committees and taking on the role of Board Chair in 2017. His leadership and philanthropic efforts are credited with enhancing the Orchestra’s artistic excellence, financial stability, and community engagement. André Gremillet, President & CEO of The Cleveland Orchestra, expressed that Smucker’s passion for music and unwavering belief in the institution’s importance have been inspiring, and establishing the chair is a way to thank him for his decades of support.
Source: https://files.baskercdn.com/clevelandorchestra/files/2025 Richard Smucker DSA.pdf