Shirley Morgenstern. Photo courtesy of Cleveland Pops.
In Tuesday’s (10/14) Cleveland.com, Peter Chakerian writes, “As president and CEO of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Shirley Morgenstern transformed a shared vision with her husband, conductor Carl Topilow, into one of Northeast Ohio’s most beloved musical institutions. Morgenstern died Saturday at home. She was 79. Topilow shared the news Sunday night on social media…. A business entrepreneur with an artistic background, Morgenstern’s career spanned dance, education, business and community leadership…. She founded Morgenstern Dance Studio, served as a master class instructor and speaker, and worked as a promotions consultant for several organizations…. A lifetime board member of the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, she co-chaired its business show for many years. In 1996, Morgenstern and Topilow founded the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Under her leadership, the Pops grew into a cultural mainstay … The organization expanded its subscription season to six concerts and established popular holiday traditions. Morgenstern spearheaded several key initiatives, including the ‘Actual Music’ education program, the creation of the 65-voice Cleveland Pops Chorus and the Cleveland Pops Youth Orchestra. Her ability to combine artistic vision with business strategy helped the Pops flourish for 30 years. Beyond her work with the orchestra, Morgenstern was a board member of … a Cleveland organization fighting human trafficking.” She is survived by Carl Topilow and several children and grandchildren.
