The internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra traces its history back to 1887, the fourth-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States. 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.
Known for trailblazing performances, visionary maestros and collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, the orchestra performs for more than 400,000 people annually in classical, pop, jazz, World music, special, holiday, young people’s, community and summer concerts. Its 8 Days in June festival presents works from the symphonic repertoire in a modern context, as well as contemporary pieces that take orchestral and chamber music in new directions. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra performs in historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M Fisher Music Center, as well as in other Michigan venues such as Meadow Brook Music Festival in the summertime.
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s distinguished history includes many award-winning recordings, tours and residencies in the United States, Europe and Japan, and national and international radio broadcasts. A thirteen-week season of the orchestra’s programs can be heard on XM Satellite Radio and on terrestrial stations nationwide, through syndication by WRCJ 90.9 FM in Detroit and PRI. In 2003, the orchestra was a recipient of the John S Edwards Award for Strongest Commitment to New American Music, offered by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the American Symphony Orchestra League.
It currently hosts the world’s major contest for women composers, the Elaine Lebenbom Memorial Competition. Spearheaded by the orchestra, the eight-acre Orchestra Place project in Detroit has been the catalyst for more than $245 million in urban redevelopment investment, including the Jacob Bernard Pincus Music Education Center at “The Max”. This serves as home to the orchestra’s extensive Civic programs which train 500 young musicians each week. The orchestra is also an educational partner of the Detroit School of Arts, a magnet public high school. In total, over 75,000 Michigan students participate in DSO educational activities, including annual school concerts.
For information about the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, visit the organization online at www.detroitsymphony.com.
Ida Kavafian performing
Fire and Blood with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
conducted by Neeme Järvi (2003).
