-Musicians everywhere are invited to record parts individually at home
-Spirit of Detroit is made possible by support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Detroit, (June 24, 2020) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) welcomes musicians throughout Detroit and around the world to join Spirit of Detroit: A Symphony of the People, a virtual ensemble that will come together with individual parts recorded separately and combined into a whole. Spirit of Detroit is made possible by support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
“Join us in this performance of Detroit, for Detroit,” says DSO violist Caroline Coade in a video explaining the project. Spirit of Detroit launches in a world defined by the coronavirus pandemic as well as the sorrow and demands for justice that follow the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and other countless victims of systemic racism. “As an orchestra, we understand the value of listening, and we know we have more to hear, more to learn, and more to do,” the video continues. “Maybe we can create something that will bring us all closer together.”
Spirit of Detroit will feature a new adaptation of the central theme of Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter” from The Planets. This popular passage has served as the basis for several hymns and songs of unity, and now it has been arranged for orchestra and mixed choir with new lyrics by Meaghan Heinrich.
All musicians are invited to participate. Visit dso.org/spirit to learn more about the project and find links to individual instrument and voice parts. Video submissions are due by Friday, July 3.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit https://knightfoundation.org.
About the DSO
The most accessible orchestra on the planet, the acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra is known for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep connection to its city. As a community-supported orchestra, generous giving by individuals and institutions at all levels drives the continued success and growth of the organization. In January 2020, Italian conductor Jader Bignamini was named the DSO’s next music director to commence with the 2020-2021 season. Conductor Leonard Slatkin, who concluded a decade-long tenure at the helm in 2018, now serves as the DSO’s Music Director Laureate, endowed by the Kresge Foundation. Celebrated conductor, arranger, and trumpeter Jeff Tyzik is the orchestra’s Principal Pops Conductor, while the outstanding trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard holds the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair. Making its home at historic Orchestra Hall within the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO offers a performance schedule that features Classical, PNC Pops, Paradise Jazz, and Young People’s Family Concert series. One of the world’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, Orchestra Hall celebrates its centennial in 2019-2020. In addition, the DSO presents the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series in eight metro area venues, as well as a robust schedule of eclectic multi-genre performances in its mid-size venue The Cube, constructed and curated with support from Peter D. & Julie F. Cummings. A dedication to broadcast innovation began in 1922, when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a radio broadcast and continues today with the free Live from Orchestra Hall webcast series, which also reaches tens of thousands of children with the Classroom Edition expansion. With growing attendance and unwavering philanthropic support from the people of Detroit, the DSO actively pursues a mission to embrace and inspire individuals, families, and communities through unsurpassed musical experiences.