WELCOME
Welcome! With spring in bloom, your Detroit Symphony Orchestra is wrapping up an extraordinary season—the first full year of programs with Jader Bignamini and an entire season with our audiences—with you—here, back where you belong. Music gives us a reason to come together—to hear, to learn, to find solace, to inspire, and to find inspiration. Whether this is your first concert this season, or your tenth, we thank you for choosing to spend your time with the DSO. A concert is a true exchange between performers and audience, and Jader’s connection to both is creating unforgettable musical experiences every week he’s in Detroit. This spring don’t miss Jader’s first-ever performances conducting Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (May 12-15) and new collaborations with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet (May 20-22) and violinist Gil Shaham (June 10-12). The closing week also features two works by Wynton Marsalis—Fanfare and Blues Symphony—that Jader is particularly excited to share with you. We conclude the 50th anniversary celebration of the DSO’s Civic Youth Ensembles April 29 to May 1 with an entire weekend of performances by all 14 groups of talented young musicians from across our region, plus special events including open rehearsals and master classes. With over 4,000 alumni, the DSO’s training ensembles are a pivotal opportunity in the lives of our children, inspiring multiple generations in Detroit and far beyond. Visit dso.org/cye50 for more information. The DSO will commemorate 80 years since Orchestra Hall opened as the Paradise Theatre with the April 30 debut of the Paradise Jazz Big Band featuring Fred A. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair Terence Blanchard and led by trumpeter and arranger Kris Johnson, former Director of the Civic Jazz Orchestra and a CYE alum himself. The all-star band will be playing music by the jazz giants who graced the stage of the Paradise between 1941 and 1951. Make sure too to swing by The Cube, made possible with support by Peter D. and Julie F. Cummings, which has reopened its doors for the first time in two years, offering a dynamic mix of jazz, pop, spoken word, chamber music, and more. We also invite you to join us on Saturday, June 18, for the return of our annual Heroes Gala, when we honor the remarkable people who impact the vision, values, and success of the DSO. This year, we recognize our dear friends and community philanthropists Linda Dresner and Ed Levy, whose support has guaranteed artistic excellence on the Orchestra Hall stage and in the community, while ensuring sustainability for their beloved DSO for generations to come. Ed and Linda are longtime Classical Series concertgoers, so we are thrilled to share that Jader will be on the podium that evening to conduct what is sure to be a special, one-nightonly program. Wishing you all the best — enjoy the concert!
Erik Rönmark President & CEO 4
DSO PERFORMANCE MAGAZINE
SARAH SMARCH
Dear Friends,
Mark Davidoff, Chair, Board of Directors SPRING 2021-2022
