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Relaxed Open Rehearsal: Songs of America

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Relaxed Open Rehearsal: Songs of America

Thursday, May 28, 2026—10:00am

Thursday, May 28, 2026—10:00am
Orchestra Hall
2 hours and 30 minutes
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Hands-on activities are available from 9-10am.

This free, relaxed open rehearsal gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the DSO as the musicians prepare for the weekend's concerts. Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with the songs and sounds that have shaped the nation’s musical legacy. From jazz standards and Broadway classics to the great American Songbook, vocalists Melinda Doolittle and Jimmie Herrod join the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez for a journey through America's musical heritage.

"Relaxed" events are designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and with other sensory sensitivities. Our culture can be unforgiving if you're unable to conform to the standard concert etiquette of quietly sitting still for extended periods. This excludes individuals who are unable to sit still or who may express emotions such as joy or excitement through vocalization. This relaxed open rehearsal aims to remove barriers, allowing everyone to be themselves and enjoy a musical experience in a safe and judgement-free environment.

Your experience includes:
• Exclusive access to a DSO rehearsal;
• Limited audience size for reduced crowds;
• A sensory toolkit with noise-cancelling headphones and fidgets for use during the rehearsal (limited number available);
• Quiet Space to take a break;
• Pre-rehearsal activities from 9-10am;
• Complimentary parking;
• Trained DSO staff members – the Mid-Michigan Autism Association has provided training to our staff to help them better understand the characteristics of autism and how to better communicate with someone with autism;
• Resources to help you prepare for the event, including an information guide, social story, and Spotify playlist.

Artists

Enrico Lopez-Yañez

conductor

Enrico Lopez-Yañez is redefining what it means to be a conductor in the 21st Century.

Celebrated for his charismatic stage presence, definitive collaborations, and passion for making orchestral music accessible to all, Lopez-Yañez is one of the most innovative and in-demand conductors in North America. He currently serves as Principal Pops Conductor of the Detroit and Pacific Symphonies, Principal Conductor of  Dallas Symphony presents, and Principal Guest Conductor of Pops at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He previously spent eight seasons conducting the Nashville Symphony, where he also served as their Principal Pops Conductor.

As a trailblazer in the symphonic world, Lopez-Yañez has premiered dozens of orchestral collaborations with artists including Dolly Parton, Kelsey Ballerini, Portugal the Man, The Mavericks, Tituss Burgess, and The War & Treaty. His wide-ranging collaborations span genres and generations, featuring artists such as  Nas, Patti LaBelle, Itzhak Perlman, Kenny Loggins, Stewart Copeland, Toby Keith, Richard Marx, Bernadette Peters, Leslie Odom Jr.,  Gladys Knight, Ben Folds, The Beach Boys, Tower of Power, and Kenny G.

As a composer and arranger, Lopez-Yañez's versatility is equally expansive. He has written for artists like Big Sean and Mariachi Los Camperos, and he has been commissioned by major orchestras including the Baltimore Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, Detroit Symphony, Houston Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, San Diego Symphony and many more.

Highlights of the 2025-26 season include performances with Ben Rector, Cody Fry, Common, Trisha Yearwood, Angela, Leonardo, and Pepe Aguilar.  He will make appearances with The Cleveland Orchestra, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra, while returning to lead the Baltimore Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, Minnesota Orchestra, National Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Seattle Symphony, among others. Past guest engagements include the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, and Toronto Symphony.

In 2023, Lopez-Yañez was honored with the  “Mexicanos Distinguidos” Award by the Mexican government, recognizing outstanding career achievements by Mexican citizens abroad. A passionate advocate for Latin music, he has arranged and produced concerts featuring Latin Fire, Mariachi Los Camperos, and The Three Mexican Tenors, and collaborated with artists including Aida Cuevas, Arturo Sandoval, Lila Downs, and Lupita Infante.

Lopez-Yañez is also Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Symphonica Productions, LLC, a creative production company developing innovative Pops, Family, and Educational concerts for orchestras. Symphonica's shows have been praised as "incredibly special - and something that needs to become the new norm" (Lima Symphony) and have been performed by the Baltimore, Milwaukee, North Carolina, Phoenix, Seattle, Toronto, and Utah Symphonies, among others.

His work as a producer, composer, and arranger can be heard on numerous recordings, including the UNESCO benefit album Action Moves People United and award-winning children’s albums such as The Spaceship that Fell in My Backyard, winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Hollywood Music and Media Awards, Family Choice Awards and Kokowanda Bay. His work has received honors from the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Hollywood Music in Media Awards, Parents' Choice Foundation, and Global Media Awards, where he was recognized for his "catchy arrangements."

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