Legacy Sponsorship

In 2026, the DSO begins a multi-year celebration to honor the history of its Classical Roots mission, on the road to marking 50 years of concerts in the 2028 season. What began as a community partnership to amplify African American contributions to the classical music canon with a concert experience in 1978, has evolved to include the Dr. Arthur L. Johnson–Honorable Damon Jerome Keith Classical Roots Celebration––a gala affair established in 2001 to honor artistic, civic, and lifetime achievement leaders. Through expansion and evolution, the mission remains to present and preserve the music of African American composers and musicians in classical music.

Through oral histories, storytelling, and historic artifacts, 50 Years of Classical Roots: An Immersive Exhibition transports you to a moment of resounding impact and journeys through the evolution of that victorious 1978 collaboration. Now on view at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center.

The exhibition is made possible by the support of:

W. Harold and Chacona W. Baugh
Huel and Priscilla Perkins
The Skillman Foundation
MGM Grand Detroit
Erik & Adrienne Rönmark

Thank you for your dedicated partnership in sharing these stories.

To learn more about partnering with the DSO to amplify the Classical Roots mission, contact Director of Donor Engagement, Ali Huber, at ahuber@dso.org.