The internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), the fourth-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States, is known for trailblazing performances, visionary maestros and collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists. In the 2008-09 Season, esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin, called “America’s Music Director” by The Los Angeles Times, becomes the 12th Music Director of the DSO. A household name in classical music, Slatkin combines extraordinary musicianship with a passion for his role as a visionary orchestra leader.
Working in collaboration with Leonard Slatkin, Toronto Symphony Music Director Peter Oundjian serves as DSO Principal Guest Conductor. He is also artistic director for 8 Days in June. Thomas Wilkins, Music Director of the Omaha (Neb.) Symphony, is Resident Conductor.
The DSO makes its home in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, and is experienced live by over 400,000 people annually. In addition to its regular season, the DSO’s yearlong schedule includes the critically acclaimed 8 Days in June festival and appearances at Meadow Brook Music Festival, Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford and Detroit Metroparks. The DSO is also among the country’s most widely heard orchestras with national radio broadcasts through Public Radio International (PRI) and XM Satellite radio.
With one of the most extensive music education programs in the country, the DSO trains over 500 young classical and jazz musicians weekly. Over 75,000 Detroit area students participate in DSO educational activities, including school concerts and programming for families. The DSO’s diversity programs include the pioneering Classical Roots concerts established in 1978 and the African-American Fellowship program established in 1990.
For more information, please visit the DSO website www.detroitsymphony.com.
