Interlochen to celebrate 100 years of partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a star-studded performance on March 10
The orchestral program, which will take place at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, marks a century of impactful collaboration by featuring Arts Academy students, DSO musicians, and Interlochen alumnus Joshua McClendon.
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra's partnership with Interlochen dates back to National Music Camp's earliest days—when it was still “just an idea.” Throughout the past century, this relationship has flourished through memorable performances, impactful residencies, and a steady stream of Interlochen alumni entering the DSO's ranks.
This spring, a brand-new chapter will be added to that story.
On March 10, the Imagine US: Celebrating America at 250 will perform at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit. Interlochen Arts Academy students will take the stage alongside DSO members with soloist Joshua McClendon—Isidore String Quartet cellist, Arts Academy alumnus, and Detroit native. The performance celebrates youth in the arts at the 250th anniversary of the United States. It also marks the 100th anniversary of the collaboration between Interlochen and the DSO.
For both institutions, it’s a reminder of the life-changing power of creative expression and how the arts help us build a more beautiful, compassionate world.
“The Detroit Symphony Orchestra shares our historic commitment to elevating young artists through education and performance opportunities,” says Trey Devey, president of Interlochen Center for the Arts. “This March, we’ll celebrate the United States by celebrating how the arts unite us. Seeing our students perform alongside alumni in the DSO—in the heart of Motor City—will be an incredible moment of collaboration that I can’t wait to witness.”
The close connection between the DSO and Interlochen dates back to 1926, when the DSO’s conductor, Ossip Gabrilowitsch, joined Joseph Maddy in conducting the inaugural National High School Orchestra (NHSO) at Orchestra Hall, home of the DSO. Two years later, Gabrilowitsch conducted the National High School Orchestra Camp’s flagship ensemble at the Interlochen bowl during the Camp’s inaugural season, and then served on the Camp’s Advisory Committee until his death in 1936. Gabrilowitsch was the first of many DSO musicians to serve as faculty, guest artists, or soloists at both Camp and Academy throughout the past century. Many Interlochen alumni have also joined the DSO’s ranks; the orchestra currently counts 21 alumni among its members, and three others are serving on staff.
The DSO has performed at Interlochen about 25 times, starting in 1966. In 1991, the DSO had launched an annual summer residency that would continue for 16 years. 2019 marked the beginning of a tradition in which the DSO performs side-by-side with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO), which has become a summer highlight for many concert-goers.
“Our partnership with Interlochen is a longstanding and fruitful one, and it brings us great pleasure to continue our shared work this March,” says Erik Rönmark, President and CEO of the DSO. “Imagine US: Celebrating America at 250 brings together young artists and seasoned musicians alike to honor the imagination and ingenuity it requires to envision a brighter future for the nation we share. I have no doubt it will be an impactful experience for both performers and audiences.”
The March 10 program will feature a new cello concerto by Wynton Marsalis commissioned by Interlochen; Reena Esmail's "RE|member"; and a reimagined performance of Charles Ives' Symphony No. 4 including multidisciplinary elements by students from all seven of the Academy's artistic disciplines. Cristian Măcelaru, Music Director Designate of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, will conduct. A pre-performance reception will mark the official launch of Interlochen's Centennial Celebration, setting the stage for an evening that honors both institutions' legacies and their shared future. Tickets are available on the DSO's website.
