DSO's Young Musician Program to Host Two Community Concerts Thursday, Friday

Music students from around Metro Detroit are learning from the greats this week and on Thursday and Friday, Birmingham will set the stage for a special concert for young area musicians.

Musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (MDSO) will perform at the on Thursday and Friday as part of the AVANTI Summer MusicFest.

The AVANTI Summer MusicFest is a collaboration between the MDSO, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and Save Our Symphony (SOS).

During AVANTI — happening this week at — around 150 local music students age 14-18 complete a week of intense study and instruction under the tutelage of approximately 50 DSO musicians, including two hours of group rehearsal and two hours in sectionals.

Student are then able to hear their teachers in action during the concerts Thursday and Friday nights.

"The AVANTI experience will be a great opportunity for these kids," siad Larry Hutchinson, DSO bass player and member of the DSO's Education Committee. "Detroit Symphony Musicians teach the students and sit side-by-side with them in ensemble rehearsals during the day. Then, the students get to hear the MDSO perform chamber and orchestral music Thursday and Friday evenings."

"There aren't too many places where teaching and leading by example are that immediate and direct," he added.

In addition, students participating in the AVANTI program — ranging from Birmingham, Troy, Grosse Pointe and Ann Arbor — will perform a free concert alongside DSO musicians this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Orchestra Hall.

This is the first year for AVANTI, but according to Judy Doyle, president of SOS — a nonprofit group comprising DSO patrons, donors, subscribers, business owners and community members — it shouldn't be the last.

"By partnering with the community on this pilot, the musicians and the DSO created a new and fresh model for connecting with its public," Doyle said. "The success of Avanti this July will lay the foundation for future summer festival workshops and concerts."

Tickets to the AVANTI concerts this Thursday and Friday are $50, $35 and $25 and may be purchased online at www.dso.org or at the door. Proceeds will support the AVANTI Summer MusicFest.

What's on the program for this week? Thursday concerts will feature chamber works by Mozart, Barber and Hanson while Friday's concert features orchestral works by Copland, Beethoven and Mozart. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

To reserve complimentary tickets for the Saturday concert, or for futher information, visit www.dso.org.