Detroit, (September 28, 2015) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) opens its classical season with acclaimed French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performing Gershwin’s Piano Concerto this weekend.
Conducted by DSO Music Director Leonard Slatkin, the program will include Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture, Druckman’s Mirage and Strauss’ Suite from Der Rosenkavalier. The performances will take place Fri., October 2 at 8 p.m. and Sat., October 3 at 8 p.m., both at Orchestra Hall.
One hour prior to the two performances, Music Director Leonard Slatkin and Assistant Conductor Michelle Merrill will present an overview of the season in Orchestra Hall. Following the Friday performance, attendees are invited to a reception to celebrate Opening Weekend.
Opening Weekend is made possible with support from the General Motors Foundation.
“We are proud to support the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, a cultural staple in our headquarters city,” said Vivian Pickard, president of the GM Foundation. “At General Motors, supporting our hometown is so important and bringing these incredible musicians to our area isn’t just about entertainment – it’s artistic inspiration.”
Thibaudet Plays Gershwin will be webcast to a global audience during the Saturday performance via the DSO’s “Live from Orchestra Hall” series. Go to dso.org/live to view the concert from your computer or mobile device anywhere in the world.
About Jean-Yves Thibaudet
One of today’s most sought-after soloists, Jean-Yves Thibaudet has the rare ability to combine poetic musical sensibilities and dazzling technical prowess. He has performed around the world for more than 30 years and recorded more than 50 albums.
A distinguished recording artist, Thibaudet has been nominated for two Grammy Awards and won the Schallplattenpreis, the Diapason d’Or, Choc du Monde de la Musique, a Gramophone Award, two Echo awards and the Edison Prize. His Grammy-nominated recording was Saint-Saëns, Piano Concerti Nos. 2&5. Among his other recordings are: Aria—Opera Without Words, Satie: The Complete Solo Piano Music and the jazz albums Reflections on Duke: Jean-Yves Thibaudet Plays the Music of Duke Ellington and Conversations With Bill Evans.
Thibaudet has been awarded the Victoire d’Honneur, a lifetime career achievement award and the highest honor given by France’s Victoires de la Musique.
About Leonard Slatkin
Internationally acclaimed conductor Leonard Slatkin is Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestre National de Lyon, France. He also maintains a rigorous schedule of guest conducting and is active as a composer, author, and educator.
Slatkin’s more than 100 recordings have garnered seven Grammy awards and 64 nominations. His recent Naxos recordings include works by Saint-Saëns, Ravel, and Berlioz and music by Copland, Rachmaninov, Borzova, McTee, and John Williams. In addition, he has recorded the complete Beethoven and Tchaikovsky symphonies with the DSO.
A recipient of the prestigious National Medal of Arts, Slatkin also holds the rank of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor. He has received Austria’s Declaration of Honor in Silver, the American Symphony Orchestra League’s Gold Baton Award, and the 2013 ASCAP Deems Taylor Special Recognition Award for his book, Conducting Business.
Slatkin has conducted many all of the leading orchestras in the world.
Ticket Information
Tickets to Opening Weekend: Thibaudet Plays Gershwin begin at $15 and may be purchased at dso.org, via the free DSO to Go mobile app, in-person at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center Box Office (3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit), or by calling (313) 576-5111. For group discount information (10 people or more), please contact DeRon Wilson at (313) 576-5130 or [email protected].
Performance
Opening Weekend: Thibaudet Plays Gershwin
Leonard Slatkin, conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Fri., Oct. 2 at 8 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 3 at 8 p.m.
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BERLIOZ
GERSWHIN
DRUCKMAN
STRAUSS
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Roman Carnival Overture, Op. 9
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in F major
Mirage
Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59 |
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M-1 Rail Construction
Attendees can find up-to-date details about the best route to take to Orchestra Hall during construction of the M-1 Rail streetcar in Midtown at dso.org/m1 and m-1rail.com. Woodward will always remain open in Midtown throughout the construction period. Complete closures are restricted to the downtown section of the rail line. Work has commenced on the south bound track between Temple and Canfield streets, shifting traffic to the northbound side of Woodward. There is one north bound, one south bound and one turn lane open on this stretch. Coming in to Midtown, an extra 15 minutes for travel time is recommended, as well as using Cass Avenue, instead of Woodward Avenue when possible.
About the DSO
Hailed by The New York Times as “cutting edge,” the internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra is known for trailblazing performances, visionary maestros, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and an unwavering commitment to Detroit. Esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin, called “America’s Music Director” by the Los Angeles Times, became the 12th Music Director of the DSO during the 2008-09. Acclaimed conductor, arranger, and trumpeter Jeff Tyzik serves as Principal Pops Conductor while celebrated trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard holds the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair. The DSO’s performance schedule includes Classical, Pops, Jazz, Young People’s, Neighborhood concerts, and collaborations with chart-topping musicians from Smokey Robinson to Kid Rock. A commitment 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. Making its home at historic Orchestra Hall within the Max M. Fisher Music Center, one of America’s most acoustically revered concert halls, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact and serve the community through music. For more information visit dso.org or download the free DSO to Go mobile app.
