The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) welcomes musicians throughout Detroit and around the world to join “Spirit of Detroit: A Symphony of the People,” a virtual ensemble that will come together with individual parts recorded separately and combined into a whole.
“Join us in this performance of Detroit, for Detroit,” says DSO violist Caroline Coade in a video explaining the project. Spirit of Detroit launches in a world defined by the coronavirus pandemic as well as the sorrow and demands for justice that follow the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and other countless victims of systemic racism. “
As an orchestra, we understand the value of listening, and we know we have more to hear, more to learn, and more to do,” the video continues. “Maybe we can create something that will bring us all closer together.”
Spirit of Detroit will feature a new adaptation of the central theme of Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter” from The Planets. This popular passage has served as the basis for several hymns and songs of unity, and now it has been arranged for orchestra and mixed choir with new lyrics by Meaghan Heinrich.
All musicians are invited to participate. Visit dso.org/spirit to learn more about the project and find links to individual instrument and voice parts. Video submissions are due by Friday, July 3.
