Shirley Morgenstern Topilow

Shirley Morgenstern’s life was a master class in blending art and enterprise.

As president and CEO of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, she transformed a shared vision with her husband, conductor Carl Topilow, into one of Northeast Ohio’s most beloved musical institutions. Morgenstern passed on Saturday at home. She was 79.

Topilow took to social media Sunday night to share the news of her passing. “Shirley was strong, loyal, loving, caring, innovative, determined and generous to a fault. Against all odds, 1996 she founded the Cleveland Pops Orchestra with me at the helm,” he said in a statement Sunday night. “The orchestra enjoys a firm place in the rich musical environment of our city, and we are proud to continue her legacy. As she would want it, we look forward to a thrilling concert on Saturday, October 18 at Severance Music Center.”

A business entrepreneur with an artistic background, Morgenstern’s career spanned dance, education, business and community leadership. A professional tap and jazz dancer, she performed, taught and choreographed throughout her early career. She founded Morgenstern Dance Studio, served as a master class instructor and speaker and worked as a promotions consultant for several organizations. She was the owner of Morgan Models, a successful modeling agency, and co-owner of W.E.L.L. Inc., a company that developed workplace wellness programs.

Morgenstern choreographed and directed the Cleveland Cavaliers dance team and served as a coach and adjudicator for national beauty pageants including Miss and Mrs. America and Miss World. 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, performing at Severance Hall, Playhouse Square and throughout Northeast Ohio. The organization expanded its subscription season to six concerts and established popular holiday and New Year’s Eve 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 the Collaborative, a Cleveland organization fighting human trafficking. She was also a passionate advocate for animals, making shelter exhibits a fixture of the Pops’ annual holiday concert and helping to inspire countless pet adoptions. She enjoyed reading, traveling and spending time with her family — daughter Emily, stepdaughter Jenny, son-in-law Dave, grandchildren Edie and Arlo and her rescue German shepherd, Rico.

A Celebration of Shirley's life will be held 11 am Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 at Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.

Donations may be made in her name online at clevelandpops.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate