Let there be music.
Thanks to a partnership with the DTE Energy Foundation, the DSO will deliver its sixth consecutive free concert series at four venues selected by community members.
Throughout May, small ensembles of DSO musicians gave pop-up performances across the region to promote a public nomination process for determining the locations of these free concerts, which will be held September 23-25. Interested parties may nominate a venue in their community at dso.org/DTEpowersDSO.
The “DTE Powers DSO” venue competition challenges metro Detroiters to influence where the orchestra plays. Eligibility for selection to receive a free concert is based on the following criteria:
- Venue within a 45-mile radius of Orchestra Hall (3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit)
- Venue appropriate to accommodate a full orchestra with a stage/performance area minimum 50’ x 40’
- Fully accessible venue meeting all ADA requirements, including ample and convenient parking
- Venue/facility donated for the free DSO community concert
- Audience capacity of 400+ and secured by the nominee
- Compelling narrative – how would a free DSO community concert impact your community? (150 words or less)
- Ability to co-promote the event
- Up to four (4) letters of support representing diverse cross sections of the community (community/civic leaders, business leaders, students, community members at large)
“Providing unforgettable musical experiences for underserved communities has been a priority of my tenure in Detroit,” said DSO Music Director Leonard Slatkin. “In an ideal world, gaining access to beautiful music should be as simple as flipping a light switch. It’s a pleasure to work with the DTE Energy Foundation to take a powerful step in that direction.”
Here are the newsy details of the partnership.
The DTE Energy Foundation has awarded $2 million to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) for a three-year commitment to continue a free Community Concert series every fall, and also includes endowment support for music education, senior citizen outreach and additional community engagement programming.
The DTE Energy Foundation has supported numerous community and cultural events over the last 50 years, including the DSO Pop Series from 2000 to 2010 and Classical Roots, which celebrates African-American composers and artists in music.
Since 2010, the Foundation has promoted cultural diversity across Southeast Michigan through the DTE Energy Foundation Presents the DSO in Your Community concert series.