The Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Leonard Slatkin plan to team up with a musician who may surprise many: Kid Rock.
The orchestra, Slatkin, Rock and his Twisted Brown Trucker Band are performing for no charge to raise money for the DSO.
They’re hoping to raise $1 million through the one-night concert, scheduled for May 12 at Detroit’s Fox Theatre.
Rock and Dan Gilbert, chairman of umbrella organization Rock Ventures LLC and founder of Quicken Loans Inc. and Rock Financial, came up with the idea for the concert as a way “to help save the DSO,” the orchestra said in a release.
The two reached an agreement in February 2011, while the DSO was still on strike, that such a concert could help settle the musicians’ contract, said DSO Executive Vice President Paul Hogle.
The money raised now will support the DSO’s outreach work, including performances out in the community and educational programs.
The DSO this year is operating on a budget of $25.7 million, Hogle said. It ended last year with a $1.7 million deficit on total revenue of $17 million.
Rock and nationally celebrated arranger Rob Mathes are working to set Rock’s music to the symphony orchestra, Hogle said.
The DSO will open the night with some music of its own, he said. Slatkin, who is arranging that portion of the concert, is working on “something a little more contemporary in nature and tone,” Hogle said.
Just under 5,000 tickets are available. Prices range from $100 to $350. Also available are a limited number of “Rock the Symphony” VIP packages, which for $750 and $1,500 offer premiere seating and access to an afterparty.
“We will definitely talk with individuals and corporations about sponsorship opportunities that include the best seats and after-concert activities,” Hogle said.
Tickets are available through the Fox Theatre, Joe Louis Arena and Hockeytown Authentics in box offices or by phone for an added fee at (800) 745-3000.
Sherri Welch, Crain’s Detroit
