Monday, May 24th, 2010 | by Detroit Symphony Orchestra

DETROIT, (May 24, 2010) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and Edsel & Eleanor Ford House (Ford House) announced today the programs for the Detroit Symphony @ Ford House concerts debuting this summer on July 9 and 10 at 8:30 p.m.   Conductor Ward Stare will join the DSO on both evenings, with virtuosic clarinetist and Michigan-native Dave Bennett and his Sextet on July 9.  These concerts are sponsored by The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and Ford Motor Company Fund.

A new collaborative partnership between the DSO and Ford House, the concerts will include popular musical favorites performed on the grounds of the Ford House by the Lake St. Clair shoreline, with the backdrop of the magnificent estate literally setting the stage.  Concerts will be followed at approximately 10 p.m. by a thrilling fireworks finale. READ MORE

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Monday, May 24th, 2010 | by Detroit Symphony Orchestra

DETROIT, (May 24, 2010) – Capitalizing on a rare opportunity to bring premier jazz to Detroit and taking the next step in a growing partnership, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and the Detroit International Jazz Festival (DJF) will co-present legendary jazz pianist, composer and former DSO Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair (2005-06) Chick Corea and his Freedom Band as part of the band’s extended tour of the U.S. and Europe.  Chick returns to Orchestra Hall with his new all-star quartet featuring alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett, bassist Christian McBride (DJF 2008 Artist in Residence), and legendary drummer Roy Haynes, who turns 85 this year. The concert takes place on Sun., June 20, 2010 at 7 p.m. in Orchestra Hall. 

The DSO and DJF have collaborated since 2008 to provide joint workshops and master classes for the DSO’s Civic Jazz Orchestra (CJO) with DJF Artists in Residence Christian McBride (2008) and John Clayton (2009).  In addition, in a rare opportunity to perform live before an international audience, CJO students have appeared on the main Carhartt stage during the festival with McBride and Clayton respectively.  The CJO provides Michigan’s young musicians with premier pre-professional musical training.   Training includes rehearsals, access to acclaimed artists and a season of performances, many of which leverage the facilities of the DSO’s home, Orchestra Hall.

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Friday, May 21st, 2010 | by Detroit Symphony Orchestra

DSO to visit Beverly Hills, Canton, Detroit neighborhoods, Flatrock, Warren and host a free Open House at DSO Heroes Gala & Benefit at the Max M. Fisher Music Center

DETROIT, (May 21, 2010) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and Music Director Leonard Slatkin will present their second installment of a week of free concerts with the DSO Community Series: Your DSO in Your Community from June 8-12, 2010 and a special free Open House during the DSO Heroes Gala & Benefit on June 12 at the Max M. Fisher Music Center.  Concert performances will occur at locations in Beverly Hills, Canton, Detroit neighborhoods, Flatrock and Warren.  Your DSO in Your Community is made possible by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Additional support is provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. Although tickets are free to all performances, reservations are required as space is limited.  (See the listing below of concert locations which includes information on reserving tickets.)

To accommodate multiple performances, many on the same day, the DSO will split into two ensembles to be conducted separately by DSO Music Director Leonard Slatkin and guest conductor, Kazem Abdullah.  Concert repertoire will include classical favorites such as Dvorák’s Slavonic Dance, Fauré’s Pavane, Tchaikovsky’s “Polonaise” from Eugene Onegin, de Falla’s “Ritual Fire Dance” from El amor brujo; Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 1, Sibelius’ Valse Triste, Johann Strauss Jr.’s Thunder and Lightning Polka Schnell, Anderson’s Blue Tango, Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever and others to be announced. READ MORE

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Friday, May 14th, 2010 | by Detroit Symphony Orchestra

DETROIT, (May 17, 2010) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) largest annual fundraiser becomes the first annual Heroes Gala & Benefit on Sat., June 12, in honor of the remarkable men and women who impact the vision, values, and success of the DSO.  Led by DSO Music Director Leonard Slatkin, the program will feature a special tribute to inaugural honoree, civic leader and DSO Chairman Emeritus Jim Nicholson.  

Selections to be performed include John Williams’ Summon the Heroes, Beethoven’s Overture to Egmont,  Carmen’s Hoe-Down, Bizet/arranged by Felix Slatkin, Copland’s “Hoe Down” from Rodeo and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.  In addition, brass players from the DSO’s Civic Youth Orchestra will perform alongside DSO musicians during the 1812 Overture. 

The evening begins with an opening reception in the Max M. Fisher Music Center Atrium at 6 p.m. and continues with a DSO concert in Orchestra Hall at 7 p.m.  Following the concert, guests will enjoy a wonderful dinner and dancing into the wee hours. Co-chairs for the event are Yvette Bing, Jennifer Fischer and Judy Frankel.   Ticket prices range from $250 to $5,000 per person and can be purchased by calling (313) 576-5147 or visiting online at www.detroitsymphony.com

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Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 | by Detroit Symphony Orchestra

DETROIT, (May 12, 2010) – Guest conductor Sir Roger Norrington joins the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) leading a performance of Schubert’s powerful “Unfinished Symphony” and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 on Fri., May 28 at 8 p.m. and Sat., May 29 at 8:30 p.m. in Orchestra Hall.

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Friday, May 7th, 2010 | by Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Jazz features return of Michel Camilo; performances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Manhattan Transfer, Bobby McFerrin and Anat Cohen

 Pops delivers the magical music of Disney favorites from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Italy and more

DETROIT, (May 10, 2010) –The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) announced a new season of programming for the Bank of America Paradise Jazz Series, running from Oct. 1 to Apr. 21 with Jazz pianist, composer and DSO Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair Michel Camilo, and the DTE Energy Foundation Pops Series from Oct. 28 to June 2.  The two series together highlight the versatility of the DSO by bringing an eclectic mix to the stage from the magical music of Disney to the infused sounds of traditional and contemporary jazz.  All concerts take place in Orchestra Hall.  Subscription tickets for these series are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (313) 576-5111 or visiting www.detroitsymphony.com.  Single tickets will go on sale in August 2010. 

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Thursday, May 6th, 2010 | by Detroit Symphony Orchestra

by Guy Barast

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will feature a program devoted entirely to the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on May 13, 14 and 15. Selected works will include the overture to Mozart’s opera “The Impresario,” his Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major, the Adagio and Fugue in C minor and the Symphony No. 38, “Prague”. Celebrated Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud will be the soloist in the violin concerto; DSO Principal Guest Conductor Peter Oundjian will be on the podium. READ MORE

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Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 | by Detroit Symphony Orchestra

DETROIT, (May 4, 2010) – As part of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) pursuit of a more sustainable business, the DSO announced today the recruitment of Paul Hogle, 26-year veteran of the orchestra business management field as Executive Vice President.

Hogle will be responsible for developing broad and diverse audiences and expanding the donor base for all three DSO business lines: orchestral concerts, educational activities and building rentals and partnerships.   He will manage and integrate the functions of all staff associated with all revenue streams, including sales, public relations, facility rentals, retail and fundraising. READ MORE

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Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 | by Detroit Symphony Orchestra

by Paul Ganson

The history of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is rich, diverse and long, however, the most significant thing that one might say it lacks at this very moment is:  its own history.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra gave the first concert of its first subscription season at 8:00PM on Monday evening, December 19, 1887 at the Detroit Opera House on Campus Martius.  As such, it is the fourth oldest orchestra in the country. READ MORE

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Monday, April 26th, 2010 | by Detroit Symphony Orchestra

DETROIT, (Apr. 26, 2010) –  This Mother’s Day, get ready for a down-home tribute to motherhood when Garrison Keillor, host of the acclaimed weekly show on National Public Radio “A Prairie Home Companion,” performs in a special concert with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.  Titled Mother’s Day with Garrison Keillor, the event takes place on Sunday, May 9 at 3 p.m. in Orchestra Hall and features Keillor’s trademark wit and commentary, combined with light classical repertoire ranging from Iris Dement to Mendelssohn. READ MORE

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