DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

JADER BIGNAMINI , Music Director

Music Directorship endowed by the Kresge Foundation

TERENCE BLANCHARD

Fred A. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair

NA’ZIR MCFADDEN

Assistant Conductor, Phillip & Lauren Fisher Community Ambassador

LEONARD SLATKIN

Music Director Laureate

NEEME JÄRVI

Music Director Emeritus

MUSIC OF ELTON JOHN

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 8 p.m. in Orchestra Hall

NA’ZIR McFADDEN, conductor

MICHAEL CAVANAUGH, piano and vocals

Philadelphia Freedom – I’m Still Standing

Your Song

Take Me to the Pilot Funeral for a Friend – Love Lies Bleeding

Chicago Medley

Honky Cat

Benny and the Jets

Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting

INTERMISSION

Pinball Wizard

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Rocket Man Dig In Candle in the Wind

Riffer Madness – Sweet Home Alabama

Piano Man

Tiny Dancer – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me

All songs composed by Elton John and Bernie Taupin except: “Chicago Medley” by Robert Lamm

“Pinball Wizard” by Peter Townshend

“Riffer Madness” by various composers

“Piano Man” by Billy Joel

PROGRAM AT-A-GLANCE |

Rocket Man in the Motor City

Sir Elton John is a household name, and his music is well-loved by audiences across the globe. He has sold more than 300 million records and is one of the 20th century’s biggest musical icons. John made his first appearance in Detroit at the Eastown Theatre in November of 1970, and has since performed in the city 25 times, with an additional 29 appearances across the state of Michigan. His international acclaim led to the production of a 2019 biographical fantasy musical drama film titled Rocketman, based on the star’s life and career.

In July 2022, John gave his final Detroit concert at Comerica Park on the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour—nearly 52 years after his first performance here. This performance was a sold-out, buzzing extravaganza allowing the legend himself to say goodbye to the end of an era, yet it is clear through this program that his spirit has not left Detroit. In this performance, Michael Cavanaugh and the DSO bring Elton John’s greatest hits to life, allowing his legacy to live on in the Motor City.