Home to the Cleveland Orchestra, Severance Hall was erected in 1931 at University Circle. Photo: Roger Mastroianni

Despite severe economic hard times during the "Rust Belt" years of the mid-1900s, Cleveland has retained a remarkably fertile arts scene, including one of the nation’s most celebrated symphony orchestras. When planning your visit, check out the searchable events listings on the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland Web site (www.positivelycleveland.com) and take advantage of the city’s wealth of live performances. Noteworthy venues and arts organizations include:

—The Cleveland Orchestra: Consistently ranked among the world’s top orchestras, this venerable ensemble is now under the musical direction of renowned Austrian conductor Franz Welser-Most. From September through May, regular-season performances take place at the exquisite Severance Hall, erected in 1931 at University Circle and fully renovated in 2000. From early July through Labor Day, the orchestra plays an outdoor summer concert series at the Blossom Music Center 25 miles south of town. See www.clevelandorchestra.com for details.

—Playhouse Square Center: This important arts center preserves a collection of historic theaters built in the 1920s, rescued from the wrecking ball in the 1970s and restored to their former glory during the 1980s and ‘90s. The complex hosts a wide range of live performances, including ballet, opera, popular music, local theatrical productions and touring companies of major Broadway musicals. See www.playhousesquare.com for performance schedules and ticketing information.

—Karamu House Performing Arts Theatre: This long-running professional theater company highlights works by African American playwrights. See www.karamu.com.

—The Cleveland Playhouse: This important regional theater company produces a wide-ranging repertoire in several different performance spaces. See www.clevelandplayhouse.com.

—Cleveland Public Theatre: This is the city’s leading venue for alternative theater productions and performance art. See www.cptonline.org