Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Stateside for Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

Stateside Staff — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:05:05 +0000

On today's show: The U.S. Senate seat is open in Michigan come 2014. It's just sitting there for the taking. So, just who will take over the job opening after Carl Levin's retirement?

We'll speak with Congressman Gary Peters - Democrat - who has announced that he wants the job - and, we'll speak with a Republican strategist about why Republicans have yet to jump in the race. Just what does it mean for the GOP's chances if a candidate takes too long to announce?

And, then, later in the hour: a conversation with the music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Maestro Leonard Slatkin. He's in New York as the DSO plays Carnegie Hall.

But first we go to Lansing where we've been following a bill that's working its way through the State Legislature.

The legislation would require people getting welfare benefits to pass a drug test in order to receive those benefits. The substance abuse screening would be required if there's "reasonable suspicion" that the person is using illegal drugs.

State Representative Jeff Farrington (R-Utica) sponsored the bill in the House. He says the government should not pay for people's drug habits.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra plays Carnegie Hall

Stateside Staff — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:11:59 +0000

It’s been 17 years since the Detroit Symphony Orchestra has graced the stage of one of the most famous concert halls in the world - Carnegie Hall.

So it was big news for Michigan’s cultural scene when the DSO became one of the symphony orchestras chosen for the 2013 "Spring for Music." It's one week, five orchestras, and six concerts at Carnegie Hall.

The DSO will perform two separate programs - one on May 9th, the second on May 10th.

The music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Leonard Slatkin, joined us from New York City today.

Listen to the full interview above.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra revival through community outreach

Stateside Staff — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:30:13 +0000

The Great Recession presented a challenge to virtually every business and organization in Michigan.

During that time, it was either change the way you've always done things, or risk being swallowed up by the crumbling economy.

The Detroit Three automakers rose to the challenge and today, they're alive and thriving. And so did one of the state's cultural jewels: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

We recently spoke with DSO executive Vice President Paul Hogle and with Maestro Slatkin and it's clear that the mood is upbeat and optimistic at Orchestra Hall.

It was only two years when the Orchestra was amidst a very bitter musicians' strike ended. Since then good vibrations have been felt amongst the rank & file.

The DSO has been using various kinds of community outreach and increasing it's web presence.

It has been getting the brand out there all around the area and the world without spending a lot of money. It is setting an example that many other arts organizations and non-profits from around the state can learn from.

Daniel Howes made the DSO the centerpiece of his column today in the Detroit News. We spoke with him to hear about the successes of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Listen to the full interview above.

How to keep the Detroit Symphony Orchestra relevant

Stateside Staff — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:28:09 +0000

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has just wrapped up its Beethoven Festival to great acclaim and great ticket sales.

For the finale, they played Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in D-Minor.

The DSO streamed that final concert in hi-def over the internet. It's a clear sign that the DSO is finding new ways to reach more people to become a true 21st Century Orchestra and to become "the most accessible orchestra on the planet."

Just what does it take to keep the DSO thriving, and to make it a more "sustainable" business?

Paul Hogle is the man who has been tasked with that challenge. He's the Executive Vice President of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and he joined us today in the studio.

To listen to the full interview, click the audio above.

Stateside: Conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Stateside Staff — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:21:58 +0000

The sounds of Beethoven have been ringing through Detroit's Orchestra Hall.

Starting tonight and running through the weekend, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra tops off its Beethoven Festival in magnificent style: with Beethoven's Symphony Number 9 in D-Minor.

These performances are the culmination of three weekends' worth of Beethoven.

Music Director Leonard Slatkin has been leading the DSO through all nine of Beethoven's Symphonies.

It's worth noting that it has been 36 years since the DSO served up all nine symphonies in one complete "serving", if you will.

Maestro Leonard Slatkin joined us to talk about Beethoven's 9th and what it takes to be a maestro.

You can listen to the full Stateside interview above.