In Detroit? Need a Classical Music Fix?

Classical music lovers in the metro Detroit area are left adrift without the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, as contract talks between the musicians union and Orchestra Hall management have broken down. At present, the DSO has canceled all orchestral performances through November 7. Non-orchestral presentations are continuing as scheduled.

At issue is the sticking point of a 33% salary reduction offered by management. The DSO has suffered massive losses in the last few years due to a shrinking economy, both in subscriptions and in major donations from the Big Three automakers. Should the musicians accept the offer, it will downgrade the symphony from the top ten in the country to somewhere around #20.

In the meantime, classical music enthusiasts have been exploring other opportunities. Members of the DSO have scheduled concerts at other local venues, hoping to drum up support. These include performances held at Kirk of the Woods in Bloomfield Hills.

But wait, classical music lovers! There are many local cities in the metro area that have their own symphonies. These include Royal Oak, Rochester and Macomb. Across the border in Windsor, Ontario, there is a fabulous symphony. Since contract talks are stalled with no negotiations scheduled in the near future, this might be a good time to check out the smaller symphonies.