Hear•Here
Cornelia Sommer
Timothy McAllister
WELCOME TO OUR 44TH SEASON
Dear Friends,
This season, we invite you to Hear • Here. Be fully present and experience the richness of chamber music in community. As we gather across Metro Detroit, this theme reflects our belief that music is not just something to hear, but something to feel, share, and discover together.
As we celebrate 44 years of chamber music in Detroit, we continue to explore the powerful intersection of sound and place. From bold new commissions to cherished traditions, this season’s programs are shaped by collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to our city’s rich cultural landscape.
We’re thrilled to return to beloved venues like Hagopian World of Rugs for our Nightnotes series, where intimate performances meet vibrant energy, and to architecturally significant spaces like the Hosmer Building and Detroit Repertory Theatre for Structurally Sound, where music and setting come together in striking ways. Our Signature series brings joyful holiday traditions and artistic partnerships to life, including a powerful performance of Mahagonny Songspiel in collaboration with the Detroit Opera Resident Artists.
DCWS remains committed to elevating emerging voices through our ongoing partnership with the University of Michigan and Oberlin Conservatory, and through Resonate, our multi-year commissioning project that centers stories of the African Diaspora in American chamber music.
Whether this is your first concert or your fiftieth, we hope you feel welcomed. Thank you for joining us. Your presence makes this work possible and meaningful. Here’s to hearing more and being here together.
Warmly,
Maury Okun DCWS President
Pictured above from left-to-right:
FRONT ROW
John Snow, oboe
Carol Perkins, flute
Maury Okun, trombone
Douglas Cornelsen, clarinet
Lowell Greer, horn
Ann Lemke, oboe
H. Robert Reynolds, conductor
BACK ROW
Kevin Good, trumpet
Fergus McWilliam, horn
Victoria King, bassoon
Thomas Klaber, bass trombone
Larry Liberson, clarinet
Atsuko Sato, bassoon
Gordon Simmons, trumpet
Since its founding in 1982, DCWS has remained committed to showcasing the premier musical talent of our region through innovative and exceptional performances of chamber music.
550+ concerts performed
2,500+ pieces of music performed
58,000+ tickets sold 80+ commissioned works & world premieres
$2.5 million+ paid to local artists
10,000+ students reached through educational programming
Left: Jocelyn Conselva & Maury Okun
SEASON SCHEDULE
MELODIES & MANUSCRIPTS
SAT, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 • 2 PM Hosmer Building
Set in the historic Hosmer Building — a 1911 Italian Renaissance library turned creative hub — this multimedia program explores the art of storytelling through sound. Bassoonist Conrad Cornelison leads the performance alongside oboist Alex Kinmonth, flutist Amanda Blaikie, and clarinetist Jack Walters.
RESONATE & RENEW
FRI, OCTOBER 24, 2025 • 7:30 PM Hagopian World of Rugs, Birmingham Schubert’s masterful Bb Piano Trio is preceded by Resonate commissions from Jonathan Bailey Holland and Marcos Balter. All spectacularly performed by Una O’Riordan, Yvonne Lam, Zhihua Tang, and our very own Jocelyn Conselva.
TRIOS & TROMBONES
FRI, NOVEMBER 21, 2025 • 7:30 PM Hagopian World of Rugs, Birmingham
The DSO’s trombone section—Gracie Potter, David Binder, and Adam Rainey—alongside pianist Liz Ames, present a bold and dynamic program of solo works, trios, and ensemble arrangements that are guaranteed to leave you buzzing!
CONCERT SERIES
NIGHTNOTES
HOLIDAY BRASS
FRI, DECEMBER 5, 2025 • 7 PM
Kirk in the Hills
Featuring the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School Choir
SAT, DECEMBER 13, 2025 • 11 AM
St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church
Featuring the Stoney Creek High School Choir and Madrigal Chorale
Featuring guest conductor Scott Boerma, a festive DCWS tradition returns with brass and choral favorites in two joyful holiday performances.
INNOVATION IN JAZZ
FRI, JANUARY 23, 2026 • 7:30 PM Hagopian World of Rugs, Birmingham Hidden Nomination, a genre-defying jazz quartet, shares their passion for musical exploration and innovation through a Nightnotes performance. As an ensemble that emerged from Ann Arbor’s own Blue Llama Jazz Club, they have quickly become a leading force in the Midwest music scene.
Hosted in the cozy and casual atmosphere of Birmingham’s Hagopian World of Rugs, each Nightnotes program is curated by an artist and their peers. Enjoy a pre-concert reception, an engaging and conversational performance, and the opportunity to mingle with the artists after the concert. The 2025-26 Nightnotes series is presented in loving memory of Lurline Sears.
SIGNATURE
The Signature series immerses audiences in an innovative and entertaining chamber music experience by bringing together the top musicians in the area, many of whom are members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and faculty at major Michigan universities.
STRUCTURALLY SOUND
Our nationally-recognized Structurally Sound series offers amazing musical explorations of Detroit spaces by relating the concert’s programming to unique qualities of each venue. As DCWS’ most immersive series, guests will experience a program rich in visual & musical history.
NOTES THR0UGH THE SEASONS
FRI, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 • 7:30 PM
Hagopian World of Rugs, Birmingham
Flutist Amanda Blaikie, bassoonist
Cornelia Sommer, and harpist Alyssa Katahara present a vibrant program exploring human and natural landscapes through seasonal motifs and expressive textures.
WOVEN AIR
FRI, MARCH 6, 2026 • 7:30 PM
Hagopian World of Rugs, Birmingham
Clarinetist Jack Walters is joined by DSO African-American Fellow Triniti Rives and cellist Jeremy Crosmer for a compelling program featuring works by Mendelssohn, Poulenc, Khachaturian, and Nino Rota.
RHYTHM & TEXTURE
SUN, MARCH 29, 2026 • 4:30 PM
Detroit Repertory Theatre
The Mirrored Glass Harp Trio explores soundscaping with lighting design and video projections drawn from the Detroit Repertory Theatre itself— amplifying the venue’s legacy of social justice through music, visuals, and immersive artistry.
MAHAGONNY SONGSPIEL
SUN, APRIL 12, 2026 • 3 PM
Temple Emanu-El
Under the baton of Timothy Weiss, DCWS reunites with the Detroit Opera Resident Artists for a performance of Kurt Weill’s Mahagonny Songspiel and Maurice Ravel’s Hebrew Songs.
APPALACHIAN SPRING
FRI, MAY 15, 2026 • 7 PM
Detroit Institute of Arts – Rivera Court
As part of the DIA’s Friday Night Live series, Timothy Weiss conducts DCWS for the performance of two works celebrating America—an arrangement of Copland’s Appalachian Spring and the world premiere of Daniel Pesca’s Visions of Mt. Tamalpais, a DCWS co-commission.
*Non-subscription. Included with DIA admission. For details, visit dia.org.
DCWS AT THE FESTIVAL
SUN, JUNE 14, 2026 • 5 PM
Seligman Performing Arts Center
DCWS artists join forces with international musicians for an exciting collaboration as part of the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival’s opening night.
IMPACT BRUNCH: A FUNDRAISING CELEBRATION
SUN, OCTOBER 12, 2025 • 11 AM
The Heathers Club of Bloomfield
We invite our DCWS friends and family to join us for the annual Impact Brunch, our largest fundraising event of the year! Experience a sneak peek into the upcoming concerts put on by our talented musicians and artistic team. The celebration will feature a lively afternoon of performances by DCWS musicians plus brunch, an auction, and a chance to win curated gift baskets.
ADMISSION
Gold • $175
Includes recognition in the event program and a tax-deductible donation
Silver • $100
Includes a tax-deductible donation
Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
TICKET PRICING
All tickets use “all-in” pricing, meaning all service fees are included with the price of the ticket. No additional service fees will be charged. The prices above apply to all DCWS concerts unless otherwise listed. General Admission • $32 Senior • $27
BOX OFFICE
ONLINE detroitchamberwinds.org
EMAIL info@detroitchamberwinds.org
PHONE (248) 559-2095
Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
MAIL 24901 Northwestern Highway, Suite 312 Southfield, MI 48075
Due to the nature of the performing arts, programming and artists are subject to change. Subscription discounts must be used as tickets to different concerts, not multiple tickets to one concert. Discounts will be automatically taken after you complete your order. Tickets to fundraising events are not eligible for subscription discount. No refunds.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
YOUR SUBSCRIPTION SUPPORTS...
Your ticket does more than reserve a seat — it helps sustain the chamber music community. Every subscription strengthens our ability to commission new works, support local musicians, and bring music to schools and neighborhoods across the region.
WHY SUBSCRIBE?
• Subscriber Section – The best seats, set aside just for you.
• Easy Exchanges – Can’t make a date? We’ll help you switch.
• Bring a Friend, On Us – Two complimentary guest passes.
• A Thank-You Momento – An exclusive token of our appreciation.
SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES
NEW! FULL SEASON PASS — $240
Access every DCWS concert ticketed through our season — one easy purchase, no RSVPs needed. Can’t attend? Share your seat with a friend! The most convenient and cost-effective way to support and experience all DCWS has to offer.
PICK-A-SHOW — SAVE 15%
Customize your own concert experience. Select six or more performances from any series and enjoy a flexible season on your terms.
AMANDA BLAIKIE
flute
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
DCWS ARTISTS SUPPORT DCWS
CONRAD CORNELISON bassoon
Principal Bassoon, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
MONICA FOSNAUGH oboe and English horn
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
DAVID JACKSON trombone
Professor of Trombone, University of Michigan
KIMBERLY KALOYANIDES KENNEDY
violin
Associate Concertmaster, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
VICTORIA KING
Musician Laureate
Retired Bassoon, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
ALEX KINMONTH oboe
Principal Oboe, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
LAURENCE LIBERSON clarinet
Retired Assistant Principal Clarinet and E-Flat Clarinet, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
TIMOTHY MCALLISTER
saxophone, Artistic Advisor
Professor of Saxophone, University of Michigan
MAURY OKUN
President, Musician Laureate
Retired Principal Trombone, Detroit Opera
MAKE A DONATION
Become a supporter of DCWS today by making a contribution. Your tax-deductible gift to our organization helps to foster a life-long relationship with chamber music. Visit detroitchamberwinds.org/donate.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Businesses and individuals who become sponsors receive several benefits, including tickets and recognition on concert signage. This is a wonderful way to invest more fully in our concert programming and our community.
For more information, please contact Jocelyn Conselva at (248) 559-2095 or email jocelyn@art-ops.org.
H. ROBERT REYNOLDS
Artistic Advisor Laureate
Retired Director of Bands, University of Michigan
GARTH SIMMONS
trombone
Principal Trombone, Toledo Symphony Orchestra
CORNELIA SOMMER bassoon
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
SCOTT STRONG horn
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
KENNETH THOMPKINS
trombone
Associate Professor of Trombone, Michigan State University
JAMES VANVALKENBURG viola
Assistant Principal Viola, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
JACK WALTERS clarinet
Assistant Principal Clarinet and E-Flat Clarinet, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
TIMOTHY WEISS
Guest Conductor, Artistic Advisor
Professor of Conducting, Oberlin College & Conservatory
ROBERT WHITE trumpet
Associate Professor of Trumpet, Western Michigan University
JOHANNA YARBROUGH horn
Assistant Professor of Horn, Louisiana State University
For 44 seasons, your generosity has allowed us to create innovative musical experiences that are unsurpassed anywhere in our region. Thanks to your dedication and enthusiasm, we continue to push ourselves and our beloved art form to new heights. The success of DCWS is a result of our devoted donors.
Phillip & Elizabeth Filmer Memorial Charitable Trust
RESONATE
Resonate is a multi-year commissioning project dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in American chamber music.
Through new works by groundbreaking composers, Resonate explores the stories, sounds, and perspectives of the African Diaspora, reshaping the classical music landscape one commission at a time.
NEW FOR 2025-26
Marcos Balter Swarm Country
Jonathan Bailey Holland Ephemera, Interrupted
The 2025–26 commissions will premiere at the Resonate Symposium and be featured at the October 24 Nightnotes concert the following weekend.
RESONATE SYMPOSIUM
October 17–18, 2025
Previously commissioned composers include:
Jordyn Davis Protect Your Peace
Michael Frazier blackportrait
Adolphus Hailstork Monuments
Nathalie Joachim Radical Revelations
Held at Bowling Green State University, the second Resonate Symposium will bring together student performers and composers for two days of performance, collaboration, and coaching.
This hands-on experience deepens artistic connections and reinforces Resonate’s commitment to education and mentorship.
George Lewis Tightrope
Brian Raphael Nabors String Quartet
Patrice Rushen The RESONATE Suite
Pamela Z Differences
Launched in 2020, Resonate is a collaboration between eight prominent institutions across Michigan and Ohio. Together, we are commissioning new compositions, presenting powerful performances, and investing in the next generation of artists and audiences.
DCWS IN THE COMMUNITY
At Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, we believe music belongs everywhere — in schools, neighborhoods, and community spaces.
With generous support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the Lula Wilson Trust, and the National Endowment for the Arts, we recently expanded our education programs. From January to May, nearly 400 students across eight schools in the Ferndale, Pontiac, Farmington, and Wayne-Westland school districts collaborated with 36 professional musicians.
Through 154 visits—ranging from sectionals to teacher professional development—DCWS worked hand-in-hand with instrumental music teachers to create customized activities to strengthen their music programs and inspire their young musicians.
DCWS MISSION STATEMENT
DCWS is a musician-driven nonprofit that showcases the premier musical talent of our region through innovative and exceptional performances of chamber music with unique repertoire and venues.
Our educational engagement deepens audience connections and community impact.
