Rooted in Community Classical Roots:

Community engagement has been at the heart of Classical Roots since it began in 1978 and continues to be a driving force behind the annual celebration of African American composers and musicians today.

The Classical Roots mission has grown since its start as a concert featuring the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Brazeal Dennard Chorale at the historic Bethel A.M.E. Church. In addition to adding a gala, fundraiser, and concert at Orchestra Hall, Classical Roots also supports increased opportunities for Black musicians through the DSO’s African American Composer Residency and African American Orchestra Fellowship.

In February, renowned pianist

BLKBOK returned to the Peter D. and Julie F. Cummings Cube for a special evening of music in celebration of Classical Roots. The high-energy performance featured live production of compositions that blended classical notes with pop forms, jazzy riffs, and hip-hop boldness—sounds that referenced BLKBOK’s love for rhythms and musicality ranging from Ice Cube and Tina Turner to Chopin and Bach.

The DSO also presented community and chamber offerings connected to Classical Roots. On February 12, DSO African American Orchestra Fellow Jaquain Sloan (bassoon) performed during Sunday services at the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit. The program included Adolphus Hailstork’s Bassoon Set

Later in the month, DSO musicians

Heidi Han (violin), Sujin Lim (violin), Will Haapaniemi (viola), and Jeremy Crosmer (cello) curated and performed a Classical Roots chamber recital at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Detroit. The recital featured repertoire by African American composers including Kris Johnson (2023 recipient of the Marlowe Stoudamire Award for Innovation and Community Collaboration) and two selections by the Plymouth United Church of Christ Renaissance Choir. The program was presented in partnership with students from the Plymouth Educational Community and students from the Plymouth Sunday School.

On March 3, through the generosity of the DSO’s education sponsors, nearly 400 middle and high school students attended the morning Classical Roots concert. Students were greeted by conductor Na’Zir McFadden and enjoyed a special pre-concert presentation on the history of Classical Roots.

“Classical Roots began in the traditions of the Black church and in our community,” said Clare Valenti, the DSO’s Director of Community Engagement. “We are proud to honor this heritage each year by hosting community and educational events at venues throughout the city, spreading the mission of Classical Roots beyond the walls of Orchestra Hall and enriching the lives of people across Detroit.”

Congratulations Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams for being honored as part of the 2023 DSO Classical Roots Celebration....

To God Be The Glory!

Hartford Memorial Baptist Church Business Ministry

Congratulations to Dr. Charles Adams and Anthony Davis on this well-deserved honor!

We are proud to support the DSO and the mission of Classical Roots.

David & Bernadine Wu

Congratulations to our wonderful DSO family and Kudos for another extraordinary Classical Roots extravaganza!

With love and gratitude, Herman B Gray, MD and Shirley Mann Gray

“Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice”

Our honorees chose to live lives that mattered.

Congratulations to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on 45 of Classical Roots!

- Glenda Price -

“To live as an ethical arts leader means to lead with, center, and close all decision-making with ethics. We assume that everyone knows the difference between right and wrong, or at least that in a civil society social norms are powerful enough to steer leaders towards the most ethical decision. This assumption remains worthy of our focus in a time in history where making unethical decisions has grave consequences for the creative sector and culture.” smtd.umich.edu

Every masterpiece begins with a single note.

Gilbert Family Foundation is proud to support the DSO’s e orts to raise awareness of the contributions of African-American composers and musicians, as well as increase opportunities for African-Amercians in classical music.

We are proud to support the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Roots concert celebrating

Composer Anthony Davis and Community leader Dr. Charles G. Adams

Julie and Peter Cummings

The Detroit Office of Jones Day is proud to support the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and its mission to enrich lives around the globe through unforgettable musical experiences.