Classical Roots Celebration
Classical Roots Celebration
Saturday, March 7, 2026—5:00pm
The 48th Classical Roots concert and 25th Annual Arthur L. Johnson- Honorable Damon Jerome Keith Celebration is scheduled for March 7, 2026. This year, we are pleased to honor educator, recording artist, and longtime DSO Principal Trombone Kenneth Thompkins. As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Classical Roots Celebration we will also be honoring former Co-Chairs of our Classical Roots Steering Committee. In addition, we will celebrate our 5th Annual Marlowe Stoudamire Honoree for Innovation and Community Collaboration, who will be announced at a later date.
Since 1978, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Roots concerts have increased the awareness of the significant contributions that African Americans composers and musicians have made to classical music. The Dr. Arthur L. Johnson – Honorable Damon Jerome Keith Classical Roots Celebration, held in conjunction with the concerts since 2001, supports the Classical Roots mission. Funds raised through the Celebration provide increased opportunities for African Americans in classical music through DSO programs including the African American Orchestra Fellowship and the African American Composer Residency.
Previous Co-Chairs:
Sherman C. Barton, Chacona W. Baugh, Janice Cosby, Jasmin DeForrest, Linda Forte, Herman B. Gray, Algea O. Hale*, Laydell Harper Wyatt, Vera Heidelberg, Ellen Hill Zeringue, Dr. Arthur L. Johnson*, Sterling C. Jones, Jr.*, Mable Jones, Rita L. Jordan, Christine Kageff, H. Keith Mobley, Willis C. Patterson*, Therese Peace Agboh, Priscilla Perkins, Robert E. Perkins DDS* and Jason E. Tinsley.
Evening Schedule
25th Classical Roots Celebration & 48th Annual Classical Roots Concert
5 PM - Doors Open and Passed Champagne
William Davidson Atrium
5:30 PM - Seated Dinner
Peter D. & Julie F. Cummings Cube
7:30 PM – 48th Annual Classical Roots Concert
Orchestra Hall
9:30 PM – Dessert and Dancing Afterglow
Peter D. & Julie F. Cummings Cube
For more information about this event, please contact Alex Anderson at aanderson@dso.org or 313.576.5448. Concert-only tickets are available to purchase here.
Celebration Tickets
RUBY $800
Includes: One VIP ticket to the Classical Roots concert
Premier Box Level seating
Priority seating at Celebration dinner
Access to the Herman and Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge during intermission
Admittance to the Afterglow
Valet Parking
BENEFACTOR $600
Includes: One ticket to Classical Roots concert
Premier Main Floor seating
Reserved seating at Celebration dinner
Access to the Herman and Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge during intermission
Admittance to the Afterglow
Valet Parking
PATRON $300
Includes: One ticket to Classical Roots concert
Premier Main Floor and Mid-Balcony seating
Reserved seating at Celebration dinner
Admittance to the Afterglow
Valet Parking
FRIEND $150
Includes: One ticket to Classical Roots concert
Premier Mid-Balcony and Main Floor B seating
Admittance to the Afterglow
Valet Parking
We regret that we are unable to guarantee exact seating locations for the Classical Roots concert.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Celebration Sponsor $40,000 (tickets for 16)
• Recognition as Celebration Sponsor on digital and print promotions
• Opportunity for meet and greet with guest artist or honoree
• Verbal recognition as a Celebration Sponsor at Classical Roots Concert and Celebration dinner
• Priority seating for 16 at Celebration dinner
• Box Level seating for 16 at Classical Roots Concert
• Opportunity for remarks during Celebration dinner
• Admission for 16 to Afterglow with reserved seating
• Full page ad in program book
• Valet parking
Supporting Sponsor $25,000 (tickets for 10)
• Recognition as Supporting Sponsor on digital and print promotions
• Opportunity for meet and greet with guest artist or honoree
• Verbal recognition as a Supporting Sponsor at Classical Roots Concert and Celebration dinner
• Priority seating for 10 at Celebration dinner
• Box Level seating for 10 at Classical Roots Concert
• Opportunity for remarks during Celebration dinner
• Admission for 10 to Afterglow with reserved seating
• Full page ad in program book
• Valet parking
Fellowship Sponsor $15,000 (tickets for 8)
• Recognition as Fellowship Sponsor on digital and print promotions
• Premier seating for 8 at Celebration dinner
• Box Level seating as Classical Roots Concert
• Admission for 8 to Afterglow with reserved seating
• Valet Parking
Guest Artist Sponsor $10,000 (tickets for 6)
• Recognition as Guest Artist/Soloist Sponsor on digital and print promotions
• Premier seating for 6 at Celebration dinner
• Premier main floor seating for 6 at the Classical Roots Concert
• Admission for 6 to Afterglow with reserved seating
• Half page ad in program book
• Valet parking
Community Engagement Sponsor $5,000 (tickets for 4)
• Recognition as Community Engagement Sponsor on digital and print promotions
• Reserved seating for 4 at Celebration dinner
• Premier Main Floor Level Seating for 4 at Classical Roots Concert
• Admission for 4 to Afterglow with reserved seating
• Half page ad in program book
• Valet parking
Education Sponsor $3,500 (tickets for 2)
Each sponsor enables a class of Detroit students to attend the Classical Roots Coffee Concert on Friday, March 6 at 10:45am
• Recognition as Education Sponsor on digital and print promotions
• Reserved seating for 2 at Celebration Dinner
• Premier main floor seating for 2 at Classical Roots Concert
• Admission for 2 to Afterglow
• Quarter-page ad in commemorative program
• Valet Parking
