In partnership with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland State University’s School of Music will celebrate the centenary of Pierre Boulez during the weekend of Nov. 13–15. 

Some of the events include a scholarly conference, a concert dedicated to Boulez’s music, a lunch concert featuring his compositions, an exhibition of manuscripts, letters and photographs, a screening of a new documentary, and a panel discussion with musicians and colleagues who worked with Boulez.

Cleveland is an ideal place to celebrate the life and work of Pierre Boulez, who considered the city a pivotal center for his career in North America. Boulez had close ties to the Cleveland Orchestra, serving as its principal guest conductor from 1969 to 1971. He held annual residencies with the orchestra from 1992 to 2006, made his U.S. conducting debut with Cleveland in 1965, and recorded a series of acclaimed albums for Deutsche Grammophon with the ensemble. In 2005, he received an honorary doctorate from the Cleveland Institute of Music.

The list of events includes: 

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025

9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Performance presentations, Drinko Recital Hall, Cleveland State University, 2001 Euclid Ave.

1:30–5:30 p.m.: Paper presentations, Mather Mansion, Cleveland State University, 2605 Euclid Ave.

7:30 p.m.: Screening of Pierre Boulez: The Path into the Unknown, School of Film & Media Arts, Cleveland State University, 1375 Euclid Ave., Suite 600

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025

9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Paper presentations, Mather Mansion, Cleveland State University, 2605 Euclid Ave.

1:30–5:30 p.m.: Paper presentations, Mather Mansion, Cleveland State University, 2605 Euclid Ave.

7:30 p.m.: Concert featuring music by Pierre Boulez, Gartner Auditorium, Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. Tickets required.

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Panel discussion, Reinberger Chamber Hall, Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave.

6 p.m.: Pierre Boulez manuscript display, Grand Foyer, Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave.

7:30 p.m.: Cleveland Orchestra performs Mahler’s Sixth Symphony, Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave. Tickets required.

The complete program can be viewed here.