New Music Detroit's contemporary music marathon, Strange Beautiful Music, celebrates its 15th year with performances at Andy Arts Center and The Cube on September 16-18
Tickets on-sale now at dso.org
Detroit, (September 6, 2022) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) today announced the return of New Music Detroit’s contemporary music marathon, Strange Beautiful Music. The event, which celebrates its 15th year with the most ambitious production to date, offers up some of the finest forward-thinking music in the Motor City and beyond. Performances will be held September 15-18, with events across the weekend at Andy Arts Center in Detroit and The Cube (within the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO’s Midtown campus).
On Friday, September 16 at 8 p.m. at the Andy Arts Center, Detroit experimental veteran James Cornish leads his Light Opera ensemble along a winding path of improvisation, joined by host ensemble New Music Detroit (NMD) for a small chamber program centered around George Crumb’s Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale).
On Saturday, September 17 at 8 p.m. in The Cube, ultra-Detroit guest composers Marcus Elliot and Shara Nova will present their commissioned works for NMD: Elliot’s stunning new piece called Fill the Room with Light, and Nova’s songs for chamber ensemble, accompanied by the captivating vocals of the composer herself. New Music Detroit will also perform a piece by Cypriot composer and sound artist Yannis Kyriakides.
On Sunday, September 18 at 7 p.m., Elliot returns to The Cube with jazz instrumentalist Rafael Statin to present a program of jazz and improv. Preceding the performance, enjoy a sound ceremony by multi-sensory artist Sophiyah E., who debuted at last year’s marathon.
Tickets for this performance start at $10 (for Andy Arts Center performances) and $20 (for The Cube performances), and can be purchased at dso.org or by calling the Box Office at 313.576.5111, open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Andy Arts Center is located at 3000 Fenkell Ave in Detroit. The Cube is located within the DSO’s Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, located at 3711 Woodward Ave in Detroit.
2022-2023 SEASON DSO SAFETY POLICIES: The DSO no longer requires audiences to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend performances. Masks are optional although strongly recommended at DSO performances, particularly when Wayne County and surrounding communities are in the high or "red" category as defined by the CDC. The DSO asks audience members to do their part to create a safe environment for everyone and encourages those who are not feeling well to stay home. For those who are unable to attend, the DSO will offer ticket donations, exchanges, and credit for future performances this season.
About New Music DetroitNew Music Detroit (NMD) is a collective of musicians dedicated to performing groundbreaking musical works from the late-20th century to the present day. A highly flexible ensemble with a cast of core members and prominent guest artists, NMD performs new and adventurous classical music in a wide variety of settings, for a wide variety of people.
NMD strives to collaborate with the most exciting creative voices of our time and regularly gives performances of rarely-heard works by today's major composers.
Through innovative programming, risk-taking, and virtuoso performances, NMD continues to explore new ways of bringing the best of contemporary and experimental music to the City of Detroit.
NMD core members include Erik Rönmark (Co-Founder & saxophones), Una O'riordan (cello), Ian Ding (Co-Founder & percussion), Jocelyn Zelasko (soprano), and Joe Becker (percussion).
About the DSOThe 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. Celebrated conductor, arranger, and trumpeter Jeff Tyzik is the orchestra’s Principal Pops Conductor, while Oscar-nominated trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard holds the Fred A. 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 PVS Classical, PNC Pops, Paradise Jazz, and Young People’s Family Concert series. One of the world’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, Orchestra Hall celebrated its centennial in 2019-2020. In addition, the DSO presents the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series in seven 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 live radio broadcast of a concert and continues today with the groundbreaking Live from Orchestra Hall series of free webcasts, 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.