Free seat reservations available now for September DSO community performances...
Four Southeast Michigan venues have been selected for free Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) concerts presented by DTE Energy Foundation. The concert locations were nominated and voted on by the public in the #DTEPowersDSO venue competition.
The four free performances will take place Fri., Sep. 23, at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit and at Heinz C. Prechter Performing Arts Center in Taylor; on Sat., Sep. 24 at Waterford Mott High School Performing Arts Center in Waterford; and Sun., Sep. 25, 2016 at Anchor Bay High School in Fair Haven, conducted by DSO Assistant Conductor and Phillip and Lauren Fisher Community Ambassador Michelle Merrill.
This is the sixth consecutive year that DTE Energy Foundation has powered free DSO community concerts.
Pop-up performances by DSO musicians at Milford Farmer’s Market, Kuhnhenn Brewing Company, and the Palmer Park Art Fair helped to solicit nominations for the free performances. The #DTEPowersDSO venue competition puts the power in the hands of Metro Detroiters and takes the superb artistry of the DSO beyond the walls of Orchestra Hall.
For more than four weeks the DSO received venue nominations from all corners of the region, and the final decisions were made with the help of our most important partners—community members.
Waterford Mott High School Performing Arts Center was selected as an alternative venue to Clarkston High School, which received a high number of votes but will unfortunately be unable to host a DSO performance due to a scheduling conflict. The DSO chose Waterford Mott to ensure that those who voted for Clarkston High School will still have access to a community concert in their area.
For 50 years the DTE Energy Foundation has supported the DSO and its cultural programs, and the Foundation is proud to help the Orchestra bring music to diverse and underserved communities throughout Southeast Michigan. On May 23, 2016, DTE Energy Foundation awarded the DSO a historic $2 million gift that includes a three-year commitment to continue offering these free community concerts each fall. It also includes endowment support for music education, senior citizen outreach and additional community engagement programming.
“The arts awaken curiosity, creativity and the desire for knowledge—things that DTE Energy believes empower both people and the communities they live in,” said Faye Nelson, Vice President at DTE Energy and board chair and President of the DTE Energy Foundation. “We are proud to play such a pivotal role in making these community concerts happen year after year, and ensuring they will continue for years to come. Through this unique opportunity, our friends, children, and neighbors across the region can experience the joy and beauty of listening to great music made by such talented musicians."
“Performing throughout metro Detroit is the perfect way to kick off the concert season each year, and the Foundation’s generous partnership makes it possible for us to reach ever increasing and diverse audiences,” said Anne Parsons, DSO President & CEO. “We are honored to make ourselves accessible to the very community that sustains us through work that is rewarding to our collective well-being.”
While the concerts are free admission, a seat reservation is required for entry. Seats can be reserved now at dso.org, by phone at (313) 576-5111, or in person at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center Box Office (3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit).
The Box Office is open for both phone and in-person reservations Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.
All concerts are general admission (no seats will be assigned), and all seating is first-come, first-served.
Concert Schedule is as follows - follow links to reserve FREE tickets:
Greater Grace Temple (Detroit, MI) – Friday, September 23 at 10:45 a.m.
Heinz C. Prechter Performing Arts Center (Taylor, MI) – Friday, September 23 at 8 p.m.
Waterford Mott High School Performing Arts Center (Waterford, MI) – Saturday, September 24 at 8 p.m.
Anchor Bay High School (Fair Haven, MI) – Sunday, September 25 at 3 p.m.
Schedule of Performance
Michelle Merril, conductor
WAGNER
TCHAIKOVSKY
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV
JOHN WILLIAMS
COPLAND
ELLINGTON
arr. Ralph Hermann
MASCAGNI
SIBELIUS
Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin, WWV. 75
Waltz from the Suite from The Sleeping Beauty
“Dance of the Tumblers” from Snow Maiden
Suite for Orchestra from The Force Awakens
March of the Resistance
Rey's Theme
Scherzo for X-Wings
Prairie Night & Celebration Dance from Billy the Kid
Duke Ellington Fantasy
Caravan
I'm Beginning to See the Light
In a Sentimental Mood
Don't Get Around Much Anymore
In My Solitude
Sophisticated Lady
Take the "A" Train
Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me
Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana
Finlandia, Op. 26, No. 7
Enjoy!
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