This spring, Music Director Jader Bignamini leads two works inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Piazzolla’s tango-infused tribute features newly appointed DSO Concertmaster Robyn Bollinger, and Michael Abels, known for scores to Oscar Award-winning films like Jordan Peele's Get Out and Us, puts "Vivaldi in a Mixmaster." We then reap the ingenious rewards of Mozart’s brilliant final symphony.

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Mozart & The Seasons

Orchestra Hall

A concert by the Oberlin Gospel Choir conducted by La Tanya Hall in Finney Chapel. This program features Act 1, Scene 4 of Omar by Rhiannon Giddens '00 which will include Oberlin College Choir.

Concert: Oberlin Gospel Choir with College Choir

Oberlin College

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Opening Night Gala featuring the extraordinary talents of saxophonist Branford Marsalis. This special event is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 7:00 pm, held in the prestigious Orchestra Hall. The night promises to be a celebration of musical virtuosity, with Music Director Jader Bignamini leading the orchestra through a program that bridges the worlds of classical music and jazz.

The evening's repertoire includes a vibrant selection of works that showcase the unique blend of classical music with jazz influences. From Milhaud's Brazilian-inspired "Scaramouche" to Bernstein's lively "Three Dance Episodes from On the Town," and Gershwin's iconic "An American in Paris," each piece captures the essence of their respective cities through music. Adding to the excitement, Marsalis will breathe life into John Williams’s "Escapades from Catch Me If You Can," highlighting his incredible skill as a saxophonist.

Under the baton of Jader Bignamini, who was introduced as the 18th music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in January 2020, the orchestra continues to thrive. Bignamini's passion for music and his close relationship with the orchestra have been pivotal in bringing high-caliber performances to the stage. His approach to conducting, often without a score, fosters a deep connection with the musicians, ensuring a performance that is both heartfelt and engaging.

Branford Marsalis, a celebrated saxophonist known for his versatility across genres, brings his award-winning talent to the gala. With a career spanning several decades, Marsalis has earned accolades including three Grammys and nominations for Emmy and Tony Awards. His collaborations with renowned orchestras around the world have been critically acclaimed, making his performance at the gala a highly anticipated event.

The Opening Night Gala with Branford Marsalis is not just a concert; it's a celebration of music's power to unite and inspire. It's an opportunity to experience the brilliance of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the artistry of Branford Marsalis in one of the most beautiful concert halls in the country. Don't miss this extraordinary evening of music and celebration.

Opening Night Gala With Branford Marsalis

“The New Virtuoso“ is a series of programs featuring works that defy genre expectations for a solo instrument, and in doing so carve out novel texture, affect and technique in Symphonic composition. This program features works that question the nature and effect of political, gender, and ecologic borders, and how we as humans move and migrate in reaction. With conductor Mei-Ann Chen on the podium, this concert features guitarist Mak Grgik, cellist Inbal Segev, and violinist Curtis Stewart.  ACO will perform three commissions by Kebra-Seyoun Charles, Paul Novak, and Curtis Stewart, alongside works by Michael Abels and Victoria Polevá.

New Virtuoso: Borders

Carnegie Hall

Xian Conducts Mozart

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Princeton University

This time, we welcome alumni of the Festival String Fellowship to play a variety of works for string orchestra, including the popular Dvořák Serenade for Strings and Bartók's zesty Romanianian Folk Dances. Fellowship alum Kyle Dickson, who's gone on to conduct orchestras across the United States, leads the ensemble in this happy reunion. In addition, this concert features several vocal soloists from the Festival's Vocal Fellowship program.

Michael Abels

Events

3 - 5 May, 2024

Mozart & The Seasons · Detroit Symphony Orchestra

May 7, 2024

Concert: Oberlin Gospel Choir with College Choir · Oberlin Conservatory of Music

Sep 28, 2024

Opening Night Gala With Branford Marsalis · Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Oct 30, 2024

New Virtuoso: Borders · American Composers Orchestra

16 - 18 May, 2025

Xian Conducts Mozart · New Jersey Symphony

About

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