DearFriends

Welcome to the 2023 Arthur L. Johnson –Honorable Damon Jerome Keith Classical Roots Celebration. We are very pleased to welcome you to Orchestra Hall for what is bound to be a powerful concert featuring the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, bass-baritone Davóne Tines, clarinetist Anthony McGill, poet jessica Care moore, and the Brazeal Dennard Chorale, all led by Na’Zir McFadden, the DSO’s Assistant Conductor and Phillip and Lauren Fisher Community Ambassador.

We have much to celebrate this year and will begin by applauding the 50th anniversary of the Brazeal Dennard Chorale—a cherished Detroit institution founded in 1972 by choral director and educator Brazeal Dennard, one of the incredible visionaries who started Classical Roots with the DSO just six years later. The Brazeal Dennard Chorale has performed at every Classical Roots program since the beginning, and we are honored to welcome them back this evening during their jubilee season.

Tonight, for our 45th Classical Roots concert and 22nd Celebration, we recognize the achievements of three remarkable people: Dr. Charles G. Adams, the venerable minister, educator, and community and civil rights leader who has spent a life in music throughout his numerous endeavors and accomplishments; Anthony Davis, the composer, pianist, and educator whose music captivates us while challenging our conceptions about music’s impact on our world and inspiring us to come to terms with social and historical injustices; and Kris Johnson, the trumpeter, composer, and educator, who came up in our Civic Youth Ensembles and is now giving back to the next generation of musicians. We are thrilled to present Kris with this year’s Marlowe Stoudamire Award for Innovation and Community Collaboration.

We must thank the Classical Roots Steering Committee, expertly co-chaired by Linda Forte and Priscilla Perkins, for making this year’s Celebration such a success. Lastly, we thank all of you. Through your ongoing support, the DSO remains committed to the mission of Classical Roots to celebrate African Americans in classical music, from our African American Orchestra Fellowship to regular programming by African American and Black composers, performances in the community, and vital music education for Detroit students.

Enjoy the evening!

Erik Rönmark President & CEO

David T. Provost Chair, Board of Directors