In and around Detroit: Salute to America with The Henry Ford, music of John Williams at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, concerts and festivals at local parks and venues, and conclusion of William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series
At The Max: free festival in Sosnick Courtyard, plus film concert experiences and specials in Orchestra Hall
DSO returns to Interlochen Center for the Arts for annual residency with Music Director Jader Bignamini
Detroit, (June 9, 2025) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) today announced 2025 summer events, including Salute to America in partnership with The Henry Ford, music of John Williams at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, concerts and festival appearances at parks and venues across the city, free community concerts empowered by the DTE Energy Foundation, the conclusion of the 2024–25 William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series, a residency at Interlochen Center for the Arts, Detroit Neighborhood Initiative performances, and more. Made possible by Gilbert Family Foundation, the DSO will host a two-week Summer in Sosnick festival in the Sosnick Courtyard outdoor community green space from July 9 through July 20.
IN THE COMMUNITY
From July 2–5, The Henry Ford and the DSO continue their more than 30-year partnership with Salute to America. The events will take place in Greenfield Village from 5–10 p.m. and include a wide variety of musical performances, food and beverage, and presenters in period clothing strolling through the village, plus a grand stage performance by the DSO to conclude with a remarkable performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture under the baton of DSO Assistant Conductor Na’Zir McFadden (Phillip & Lauren Fisher Community Ambassador), complete with cannon fire and a brilliant fireworks finale. Tickets are on sale now for Salute to America and can be purchased online at thehenryford.org. Salute to America is presented by Ford Philanthropy, with additional support from Bank of America.
Throughout the summer, the DSO has collaborated with local partners to present Detroit Neighborhood Initiative (DNI) programming at community locations across Detroit. Events include Southwest Sounds at MexicantownCDC Mercado in Southwest Detroit on June 21, Clark Park Culture and Arts Festival on June 28, Chandler Park Community Arts and Music Festival on July 12, and a 5-week early childhood workshop series starting on June 20 with a July 26 celebration concert for people of all ages as part of the Northwest Goldberg Cares Music in the Park series at Spotlight Park. See below for more information and visit dso.org for the latest list of programming. DNI is generously sponsored by the General Motors Corporation. Programming with Northwest Goldberg Cares is supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Additionally, the DSO will perform at two free community concerts empowered by the DTE Foundation. DSO Assistant Conductor and Phillip & Lauren Fisher Community Ambassador Na’Zir McFadden will lead the orchestra in a celebratory and reflective program featuring music by African American composers, joined by special musical guests from Word of Faith and Perfecting Church. These performances will take place on Wednesday, June 18 at 7p.m. at Word of Faith in Southfield and Thursday, June 19 at 7p.m. at Perfecting Church in Detroit. These events are free and tickets are not required.
At Meadow Brook Ampitheater in Rochester Hills on July 6, the DSO will perform The Music of John Williams led by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez. This performance will feature beloved selections from Superman, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, The Cowboys, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more. Tickets for The Music of John Williams are available at 313presents.com and Ticketmaster.
The DSO will also conclude the 2024–2025 William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series with Beethoven & Bizet conducted by Na’Zir McFadden and featuring violinist Jordan Bak. Performances will take place on July 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, July 11 at 8 p.m. at First United Methodist in Plymouth, July 12 at 8 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe, and July 13 at 3 p.m. at Seligman Performing Arts Center in Beverly Hills. The William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series is made possible by a generous grant from the William Davidson Foundation. WRCJ 90.9 FM also supports the series.
AT THE MAX
Closer to home, the DSO will present programming throughout the summer at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center.
Made possible by Gilbert Family Foundation, Summer in Sosnick concerts will return to the DSO’s Sosnick Courtyard outdoor community green space. The courtyard will host a two-week festival from July 9 through July 20, with all events free and open to the public (registration is required and will be available at dso.org). Programming will include a DSO chamber group performing works from living BIPOC composers, Yoga & Music, a performance by Allen Dennard and Audivi, a sensory-friendly family concert, a program by New Music Detroit on July 17 as part of the 33rd annual Concert of Colors festival in collaboration with Detroit’s leading cultural institutions, Stories Through Songs and Poetry with Audra Kubat, the Detroit City Jazz Orchestra Plus, and the University of Michigan Detroit Center’s Day of Programming. Further programming information will be announced at a later date.
In Orchestra Hall, the DSO will host film concert experiences and special presentations. On Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. the DSO welcomes Chris Thile to perform his brand-new work, ATTENTION! A narrative song cycle for extroverted mandolinist and orchestra. On Sunday, June 29 at 7 p.m. the Detroit Pistons will present A Night With the Orchestra: Big Sean & Friends x DSO in honor of Detroit producer J Dilla. The performance will feature performances by the DSO, Nasaan, Skilla Baby, Queen Naija, and Big Sean at Orchestra Hall. Tickets for this performance can be purchased here. Additional special events presented by the DSO at Orchestra Hall include Sailing: Soft Rock Hits of the 70s & 80s on July 22, Batman 1989 in Concert on July 25, and The Lion King (Animated) Live in Concert on July 27. On August 16, Kris Johnson and Ozay Moore will present The Learning Express: Astronomy, a free, sensory-friendly concert designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and with other sensory sensitivities in the Peter D. and Julie F. Cummings Cube. See below or visit dso.org for more information.
INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The DSO will return to Interlochen Center for the Arts for a residency that continues a rich tradition of mentorship and artistic excellence. This year’s collaboration will feature DSO musicians leading masterclasses, rehearsing side by side with students, and performing two highly anticipated concerts under the direction of Music Director Jader Bignamini.
The DSO will take the stage at Interlochen’s renowned Kresge Auditorium on Saturday, July 19, as part of the 2025 Interlochen Arts Festival. The program will feature Overture to Omar by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels; Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice; and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Op. 35. Tickets for this event are available now at Interlochen.org/tickets.
Throughout the weekend, DSO musicians will engage with students through masterclasses and side-by-side rehearsals. On Sunday, July 20, these collaborative efforts will culminate in a special performance with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, featuring George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture and Florence Price’s Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, conducted by Bignamini.
This summer’s residency marks the 99th year of collaboration between Interlochen and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, a relationship that dates back to 1926 when the National High School Orchestra—Interlochen’s founding ensemble—performed at Orchestra Hall in Detroit. Over the decades, DSO musicians—many who attended Interlochen themselves—and conductors have played a pivotal role in the artistic education of Interlochen students. Since 2019, the DSO’s annual residencies have featured public performances,
See below or visit dso.org/summer for a current list of performances. Additional program information will be announced as it is confirmed.
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CONCERT INFORMATION
Program and artists subject to change. Visit dso.org for full program information and to purchase tickets.
SALUTE TO AMERICA – Wednesday, July 2–Saturday, July 5 at Greenfield Village: Experience a masterful musical performance in an idyllic setting with 300 years of American history as your backdrop at Salute to America in Greenfield Village. For more than 30 years, two cultural gems—The Henry Ford and the DSO—have partnered to create an unforgettable concert experience that brings the magic of live music to 80 historic acres. Enjoy the sights and sounds of an evening in Greenfield Village featuring food trucks along Main Street, the sound of our historic 1913 Herschell-Spillman carousel, presenters in period clothing strolling through the streets, and musical ensembles tucked in every corner. With seven historic districts to explore, guests can enjoy an ever-changing soundtrack of choral singing, ragtime, Motown, blues, jazz, and more. Once the sun sets, the world-renowned DSO takes center stage for a triumphant musical performance featuring celebratory orchestral music and selections from films and American popular culture, anchored by Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, cannon fire, and a brilliant fireworks finale. The orchestra will be led by Na'Zir McFadden, Assistant Conductor and Phillip & Lauren Fisher Community Ambassador of the DSO. Celebrate the Fourth of July your way at Salute to America—surrounded by friends and family, the power of music, and 300 years of stories in motion.
Tickets are on sale now for Salute to America and can be purchased online at thehenryford.org, starting at $30.50 for members of The Henry Ford and $36 for nonmembers, with additional 25% off youth (5–11) tickets and 10% off senior (62+) tickets for both member and public tickets across all event dates. All children under the age of five are free. For updates on hours and tickets, visit thehenryford.org or follow The Henry Ford on social media @thehenryford. Salute to America is presented by Ford Philanthropy, with additional support from Bank of America.
THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS WITH THE DSO – Sunday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre: Enrico Lopez-Yañez leads the DSO in a program that showcases the storytelling power of John Williams’s unforgettable soundtracks, featuring selections from Superman, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, The Cowboys, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more, this concert brings to life the iconic music that has defined some of the greatest films in cinematic history. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to his work, The Music of John Williams promises an exhilarating journey through the timeless soundtracks that have shaped the world of film. Tickets are available at 313presents.com and Ticketmaster.
DSO AT INTERLOCHEN – Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Interlochen Center for the Arts: The DSO's annual residency at Interlochen Center for the Arts culminates in a stunning performance at Interlochen's iconic Kresge Auditorium. Music Director Jader Bignamini leads the ensemble in three evocative works: the Overture to Omar by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels, Paul Dukas’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Op. 35.
EVENTS AT THE MAX M. AND MARJORIE S. FISHER MUSIC CENTER
- LET’S MISBEHAVE: THE SONGS OF COLE PORTER – Friday, June 20 at 10:45 a.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, June 21 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 22 at 3 p.m. in Orchestra Hall: Cole Porter's songs feel forever new. Pianist Tony DeSare, trombonist Aubrey Logan, and tap dancer John Manzari put fresh spins on "Night and Day," "I Get A Kick Out of You," "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Anything Goes," and more.
- CHRIS THILE WITH THE DSO – Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Orchestra Hall: Devilishly dexterous and eclectic, Chris Thile is at home in every genre—from bluegrass to Baroque to jazz to indie pop. Thile’s enormous talent and boundless energy have resulted in multiple GRAMMY Awards®, a MacArthur “Genius” grant, hosting duties on Live From Here (formerly A Prairie Home Companion), and dozens of albums as a solo artist and as a member of bands like Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers. Thile’s brand-new work, ATTENTION! A narrative song cycle for extroverted mandolinist and orchestra, will feature his trademark whimsical songwriting and storytelling, instrumental virtuosity, and ever-present sense of humor. Don’t miss this brilliant exploration of American music both old and new!
- A NIGHT WITH THE ORCHESTRA: BIG SEAN & FRIENDS x DSO – Sunday, June 29 at 7 p.m. in Orchestra Hall: The Detroit Pistons presents a special concert featuring Big Sean and Friends with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in tribute to the legendary producer J. Dilla. Includes special performances by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit’s own Nasaan, Skilla Baby, Queen Naija, and Big Sean.
- SAILING: SOFT ROCK HITS OF THE 70S & 80S – Tuesday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Orchestra Hall: Set sail on a nostalgic journey through the breezy, laid-back sounds of soft rock music from the 70s and 80s. Yacht Rock defined a generation and continues to be prevalent throughout pop culture today. Morgan James, Doug Wamble, and John Scarpulla join the orchestra to lead you on a musical voyage singing hits from Hall & Oates, Christopher Cross, Fleetwood Mac, George Michael, Kenny Loggins, and many more.
- BATMAN 1989 IN CONCERT – Friday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Orchestra Hall: The Bat-Signal is lighting up Detroit! Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Batman™ with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra playing the iconic Danny Elfman score. BATMAN and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
- THE LION KING (ANIMATED) LIVE IN CONCERT – Sunday, July 27 at 3 p.m. in Orchestra Hall: Celebrate the magic of one of the greatest animated films ever made as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra plays Hans Zimmer’s Oscar Award-winning musical score live-to-film. The original 1994 animated version features unforgettable music by an Award-winning team including Elton John and Tim Rice. Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts.
- THE LEARNING EXPRESS: ASTRONOMY (SENSORY-FRIENDLY CONCERT) – Saturday, August 16 at 11 a.m. in the Peter D. and Julie F. Cummings Cube: Explore the wonders of space through music! The Learning Express: Astronomy is a high-energy, interactive performance that introduces the audience to the planets, the North Star, and the changing seasons using the power of hip-hop and jazz. Created by Kris Johnson and Ozay Moore, and originally curated by Damien Crutcher and Progressions Inc., this program was designed to support academic learning in elementary schools across Inkster, Pontiac, and Detroit. Join from 10–11a.m. for hands-on activities before the concert. Sensory-friendly events are designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and with other sensory sensitivities. This sensory-friendly concert aims to remove barriers, allowing everyone to be themselves and enjoy a musical experience in a safe and judgement-free environment. The DSO will not be featured on this performance.
SUMMER IN SOSNICK FESTIVAL CONCERTS
More information will be announced as it is confirmed
- Wednesday, July 9 - DSO Chamber Group - performing works from living BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) composers
- Thursday, July 10 - Yoga & Music
- Friday, July 11 - Allen Dennard presents Decades Through Detroit
- Saturday, July 12 - Audivi
- Sunday, July 13 - Sensory-Friendly Concert
- Thursday, July 17 - 33rd Annual Concert of Colors with New Music Detroit
- Friday, July 18 - Audra Kubat presents Stories Through Song and Poetry
- Saturday, July 19 - Detroit City Jazz Orchestra Plus
- Sunday, July 20 - University of Michigan Detroit Center Day of Programming
WILLIAM DAVIDSON NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES - BEETHOVEN & BIZET: One of ClassicFM’s “30 under 30” Rising Stars, Violist Jordan Bak performs Carl Stamitz’s Viola Concerto. First discovered and performed in the 1930’s, Bizet’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major was completed when the composer was just 17 years old. Beethoven’s only full-length ballet, The Creatures of Prometheus, was one of his first works to be performed in the United States. Source Code by Jessie Montgomery centers on a melody based on syntax derived from Black spirituals.
- Thursday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Shaarey Zedek (27375 Bell Rd, Southfield, MI 48034)
- Friday, July 11 at 8 p.m. at First United Methodist (45201 N Territorial Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170)
- Saturday, July 12 at 8 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church (467 Fairford Rd, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236)
- Sunday, July 13 at 3 p.m. at Seligman Performing Arts Center (22305 W 13 Mile Rd, Beverly Hills, MI 48025)
DETROIT NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVE EVENTS
- EASTSIDE FREC PERFORMANCE – Saturday, June 14 from 2–3 p.m. at Ford Research and Engagement Center Eastside (15491 Maddelein St, Detroit, MI 48205): programming to be announced
- NORTHWEST GOLDBERG CARES MUSIC IN THE PARK – At Spotlight Park (5945 Linwood St, Detroit, MI 48208): Early Childhood music workshop series curated for local families with children under the age of 10. Weekly interactive music and arts workshops, lunch and performances by DSO musicians and local artists. The final celebration on July 26 is open to all ages and will feature performances by Lulu Fall, Gregory Walker Jazz Quartet, and Joe Reilly, interactive arts activities, and free food:
- SOUTHWEST SOUNDS – Saturday, June 21 from 6–8 p.m. at Mexicantown CDC (2826 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216): In partnership with Mexicantown CDC, Southwest Sounds is a free event highlighting arts and culture of Puerto Rico. The event will feature a great lineup of free food, music from DSO musicians and Sammy Deleon y su Orquestra, and dance. This event is free, and tickets are not required.
- CLARK PARK CULTURE & ARTS FESTIVAL – Saturday, June 28 from 1–4 p.m. at Clark Park (1130 Clark Ave, Detroit, MI 48209): Come join the party! This free event features a great lineup of food, music, and dance—including musicians from the DSO, local artists, and students from Southwest Detroit! Interactive arts workshops run from 1–4 p.m.
- CHANDLER PARK COMMUNITY ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL – Saturday, July 12 from 1–4 p.m. at Chandler Park (12831 Frankfort St, Detroit, MI 48213. NW corner of Frankfort and Gray)
OTHER COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES
- DTE FOUNDATION COMMUNITY CONCERT – Wednesday, June 18 from 7–8:30 p.m. at Word of Faith (20000 W Nine Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48075): Conducted by Na’Zir McFadden, the performance includes Lift Every Voice and Sing and other works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Duke Ellington, Florence Price, and Jonathan Bailey Holland. The Word of Faith Chorus will perform Carol Cymbala’s He’s Been Faithful and Richard Smallwood’s Anthem of Praise.
- TEMPLE ISRAEL SENIORS PERFORMANCE – Thursday, June 19 from 2–3 p.m. at Temple Israel (5725 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48323): Programming to be announced. Contact info@temple-israel.org for information on registering.
- DTE FOUNDATION COMMUNITY CONCERT – Thursday, June 19 from 7–8:30 p.m. at Perfecting Church (7616 Nevada Ave, Detroit, MI 48234): Conducted by Na’Zir McFadden, the performance includes Lift Every Voice and Sing and other works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Duke Ellington, Florence Price, and Jonathan Bailey Holland. The Perfecting Church Chorus will also be featured for two works.
- MUSIC AND THE MIND PRESENTATION – Wednesday, July 16 from 1–2:30 p.m. at Jewish Family Service (6555 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322): Programming to be announced. Contact MindU@jfsdetroit.org to register.