On March 14 , you're invited to explore the opening of a new, historical Classical Roots exhibit at Orchestra Hall. Refreshments provided. RSVP required.

50 YEARS OF CLASSICAL ROOTS is a multi-year immersive exhibition that celebrates the history, people, music, impact, and future of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Roots mission. 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.

Across three sections, THE CONCERT, THE CELEBRATION, and IMPACT AND LEGACY, 50 Years of Classical Roots features oral histories, storytelling, and historic artifacts. We invite you to journey back and explore the pivotal moments that shaped this rich musical tradition.