Seven music directors have guided and shaped the ensemble's growth and sound: Nikolai Sokoloff, 1918-33; Artur Rodzinski, 1933-43; Erich Leinsdorf, 1943-46; George Szell, 1946-70; Lorin Maazel, 1972-82; Christoph von Dohnányi, 1984-2002; and Franz Welser-Möst, since 2002.

He commands a yearly salary of approximately $1.2 million, on a par with the directors of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition, the orchestra chauffeurs him around Cleveland. Welser-Most also maintains homes in Zurich, Vienna and rural Austria.

The orchestra's season remains 52 weeks and size remains 100 members. Musicians will receive raises each year of the contract. Base salary will rise from $135,096 (2017-2018) to $143,364 by the 2020-2021 season.

His predecessor William Preucil was fired in 2018. The Cleveland Orchestra has yet to issue an official statement. UPDATE: The following statement has now reached us: By mutual decision, David Radzynski has stepped down from the post of Concertmaster of The Cleveland Orchestra effective March 3, 2024.