Detroit Symphony Orchestra

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra was amazing! It's been decades since I've seen them perform and they didn't let me down. What surprised me the most was the gentleman who actually stepped in the Prince role. I had no idea that someone was going to be there actually singing the songs. He was awesome and so was his backup singer! Another surprise was how into it the conductor was. He's got moves like Jagger! The only thing I would have changed was the fact that Prince has a lot of songs that feature beautiful strings in the background and I would have loved to have heard more of the strings especially on the ending of Purple Rain. Other than that it was fantastic!

Had no idea that there would be a Prince tribute artist. Nice touch! I wish the show was longer and included more songs outside of the Purple Rain era but I had a great time!

We purchased the tickets believing that we would be attending a DSO symphony interpretation of Prince's music when in fact we attended an amateur cover band with the DSO quietly playing in the background. The singer was mediocre and the ticket price did not support the level of perfomance. We were very disappointed and will be leary in attending future DSO events.

IT was wonderful - my friends and wfie enjoyed it very much too

A wonderful evening hearing Beethoven as the wind blew through the trees and the clouds moved overhead. Lovely!

From Carols smooth singing and exquisite stage presence to the beautiful musical arrangements by Bennett's sextets bass player in order to bring the Orchestra and jazz band merge, this show from top to finish was a relaxing ride to a sweeter time. We journeyed Benny Goodman's music with a splash of Gershwin. There was a balance of melodic tunes and danceable ones, all orchestrated by Dave Bennett himself. The two giants at the center stage, one conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the other, Dave Bennett with his jazz onsombol, flowed in rhythm as one. Visually it was beautiful to see these two dynamic music leaders unknowingly take it a step further. One with darker skin wearing all white and the other lighter skin in mostly black, these two even looked like notes on a page side by side, each displaying their individual character and working together in unison. Each brought their beauty to the music. Simply fascinating. If you missed this show, do NOT miss the next one. Any performance with Dave Bennett will leave you mystified. Take his spirit and fuse it with any music style outside of jazz and you will always find magic. Magic that you have to be there and experience it, in order to believe it. Audience members were rivetted after the show with positive comments and breathtaking silence. Meadowbrook Festival was the perfect venue and even the weather was smooth as silk. Simply said...stupendous.

The DSO is a world class symphony, and I support thm throughout the year at the Max M. Fisher. They were world class last night too, but I wouldn't see them at Meadowbrook again. I love Meadowbrook too, but it doesn't appear tha they are equipped to have classical. It was WAY to quiet. I was on the lawn and even opening up my crackers was disruptive. If we are to have lawn, please put speakers faced toward the hill so as not to overwhelm those in the pavillion. We went down to the side in the Family Fun Zone to be able to hear it better. That was better, but even down there, the volume really needs to be turned up.

What a wonderful evening! The music was fantastic - and to be able to listen and hang out on the lawn in jeans and a T-shirt was great. Not too crowded, not buggy. Families, couples, friends - lots of great people watching. Laid back and listened to the music and whatched the clouds and then the stars! I hope to do it again next year.

The DSO concert was great last night. It was all Beethoven which was wonderful with a violin soloist.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra out did themselves, the effort they had put into their performance come out with outstanding and unforgettable sounds that was absolute heaven to my ears. This is my first time that I have witnessed their performance and I am sure this is going to be the first of many to come. Dave Bennett truly was magnificent, it was as though he made his clarinet come alive. There was not one person that I had seen that was not mesmerized by his music and the way he played. The older crowd was as though they were living it all over again. Everyone that performed was outstanding and I want to thank them for an unforgettable night.

The clarinet player was incredible, and entertaining as well as a fantastic musician. I expected a mixture of big band music, but although it was primarily Benny Goodman music, I was not disappointed. The music was fabulous. I enjoyed not only the clarinetist and his band, but the DSO. I can't wait to attend next year.

The highlight of the concert was the female vocalist, Carol McCartney. Her performances added a lively energy.. The talented David Bennett on the clarinet was the main attraction. I felt that the DSO was sitting idle through too much of the concert .

The evening was amazing and we were so impressed with the local talent. Dave Bennett (clarinetist) from Waterford has so much talent! There was very little DSO and I would have liked to had them participate in more of the program. But everyone came out smiling and were very pumped up. I wish there had been an encore--I was not ready for it to be over.

Took our 2 girls (ages 11 & 7) for a fun family evening and they enjoyed it so much!

The production was competent and professional. I particularly liked the cello section. The arrangements of the tunes were interesting, but not particularly inspiring. Slatkin seemed to have a pleasant rapport with the audience that was first-rate. His conducting has a certain charm. Seats and vantage point to the stage were rather good. I would definitely attend again. This venue is always quite pleasant. Kudos to the DSO and this summer series. P.S. Couldn't understand why I was asked to show ID when I'm an AARP member! It was flattering, but silly. Thanks for soliciting feedback.

The first two pieces were disappointing. I was not familiar with them. The second piece was a lullaby, which was so quiet, I could not hear it on the hill. It was not a good choice for an outdoor venue. Unfortunately, the weather was very windy and cold, and had the potential for rain. With this in mind, it would have been nice if the order of the selections could have been changed to have the most well-liked pieces done in the first half of the show. My husband and I had to leave at intermission due to the weather.

When the whole orchestra was in full bloom, it was beautiful! But the soft quiet parts were lost up on the hill. I wonder how it would have sounded with a couple of speakers for the picnickers. And how nice of Mother Nature to hold off on the rain! 'Twas a fun evening.

This was my first time to see the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, I just love it. Meadow Brook also was one of the best places to hear and see this great orchestra.

The weekend with the Detroit Symphony was more than wonderful. As a long time attendee to Meadowbrook, it ranked near the top. Leonard Slatkin is an excellant conductor. Both soloists were outstanding. and the performance Gershwin's 2nd Rhapsody, which I had never heard, left me wanting to hear it again.

A beautiful setting for enjoying one of America's most accessible and stirring composers. Beautifully played and well chosen selections. I heard a rhapsody I was unfamiliar with, as well as being moved by my favorite, Rhapsody in Blue. I wish I could find the time and money to attend all their shows this week.

The music and performance were terrific. The violinist was superb, and she was the picture of beauty and class. The logistics at the venue need work. There should be a "will call" window, and it would speed things up if there were a window devoted to lawn tickets. The performance was slightly delayed and people were angry and agitated after standing in line for more than 20 minutes just to pick up tickets. At 7:55, there were customers at the window buying tickets for future events. One customer was at the window for nearly 10 minutes trying to decide what he wanted for a FUTURE event. This needs to be fixed, and the fix is easy. Otherwise, Meadowbrook will continue to have unhappy customers who will decide it is not worth attending and buying tickets on a nice evening, because the hassle of standing in line was not worth the aggravation.

It was fantastic! The venue is perfect and the DSO even better -- Slatkin & Siegel were outstanding . . .

Slatkin and his old buddy, Siegel, brought new life to the DSO and to Gershwin. We had TWO Gershwin rhapsodies!! The energy and depth of tones were impressive in outdoor setting. Statkin selected a wide variety of Gershwin from his own lullaby arrangement to Porky and Bess. A memorable evening and a great beginning for Slatkin at Meadow Brook.

The DSO played beautifully and were joined by a world-class violinist, Karen Gomyo. This girl was incredible and played with delicate passion. Amazing music. We really enjoyed it. We were lucky with the weather - it was a cool, summer night.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestras presentation of Tchaikovsky was unbeliveable.

Start with a cloudless July evening, a slight breeze and relaxing on the lawn at Meadow Brook. Add the Detroit Symphony playing Tchaikovsky. Finish with a spectacular performance of the 1812 Overture - does it get better than that! In between a wonderful soloist performing Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto - cheers to Karen Gomyo! Add in Marche Slave and selections from Swan Lake and a fantastic concert resulted.

Five stars plus. Karen Gomyo is amazing. An exciting evening. Encore!

It was an incredible night with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. We took a picnick and enjoyed Tchaikovsky under the moon light. We will be back next year!

This was my first symphony concert, it definitely will not be my last. Amazing.

The real CANON explosions were an added surprise to the overture of 1812. Karen Gomyo was talented as usual. She showed emotion when playing her violin.

We had a great night and the venue was great to showcase the Orchestra. We had lawn seats so I would highly encourage anyone to come early and have a picnic on the lawn to wait for the festivities to begin. The music was great, it was not too long (which I was afraid of) and not too short... it ran about 2 hours with an intermission.

Excellent performance! Would attend again!!!!! Loved it!

This performer was humble about meeting Prince and though I don't usually like "Imitators" his likeness, voice and moves were uncannily Prince. The DSO was great as always but I was surprised that they played such a superfluous role.

The Music of Prince with the DSO Concert was fantastic! We sat in the Pavilion, and our seats were excellent. The singer sounded just like Prince. The female singer was great. The DSO played beautifully. They did all of my favorite Prince songs!

My Sister and I did not know what to expect at this Event. We were pleasantly surprised and thoroughly loved the show. I actually felt like I was really at a Prince Concert. And it was great watching the DSO Conductor enjoying it and it was great watching and listening to the back up of the DSO. I just loved it!!!!!!

The experience was amazing. I enjoyed the combination of singing and or orchestra very much. The venue is beautiful.

The DSO never disappoints! The Purple Xperience was good. A little weak in the vocals and choreography by the lead singer, Marshall but he did his best to portray the man the music sadly lost last year. HIs female backup singer stole the show. Powerful voice and stage presence.

We weren't sure what to expect, but Marshall and his band were a great mix with DSO. Fun night of dancing and stories of Prince and Minneapolis during the Purple Reign.

We went to this show expecting instrumental renditions of Prince's music, but were (pleasantly) surprised to find a top-notch tribute band performing the music, backed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Fantastic! Marshall Charloff performed Prince's music authentically, both in voice and appearance. I appreciated how he repeatedly paid tribute to Prince and shared anecdotes about him, rather than just impersonating him. Of course, the DSO was terrific and musicians seemed to be enjoying themselves. Fun show!!

This was an amazing musical experience. Prince music speaks for itself,but it was covered in professional musical tone with the right blend of band and orchestral blend. The vocals were tight but not overdone to imitate. The audience was a giant generational and cultural blend that made the concert into a giant singalong. Sensational!

Much better then I thought it was going to be. The singing and song choices were perfect Prince songs and the DSO did an amazing job! We were on the lawn so the music could have been louder for us but other than that it was a wonderful show so glad we went. the band played well also and the dance moves were top notch!

Very cool show, I'd definitely go again. Played all the favorites.

Would recommend this show again & again! The only "complaint" I would offer, was the artist portraying prince didn't sing as much as others with him...his keyboardist did a awesome solo! The symphony was top notch, on point! You won't be sorry seeing this show! The only other thing I was bummed about were the musical chair aspect, 2 people sat in the wrong seats in our row, they moved, the 2 girls who took the seats left in the middle of a song, then 2 different girls came in and took the seats!

DSO WAS WONDERFUL AND THE SINGERS WERE ENTERTAINING AND TALENTED.

I liked the way the lead singer interacted with the crowd

It was fantastic! I loved it. I had fun and danced all night. Please make sure you do this again next year. My only suggestion: Play the songs that really show that man's talent not the commercial stuff, he was so much more than that.

The weather was fabulous, the DSO was rocking!! Brent Havens (Conductor) and Brody Dolyniuk (vocalist) were outstanding. Brody even looked like David Bowie and sounded so authentic. We had a great time. Perfect.

How do express the versatility and talent that Bowie possessed. The singer replicated his voice and movements effortlessly and the band + the Symphony was so professional and made it a superb concert!! I would go again and again.

It was hard to know what to expect, but this was an awesome concert! Brad is such a great entertainer, the band and DSO were great, and it was a beautiful night. I would not hesitate to go to another DSO/rock concert!

The singer, although seemingly young, did a terrific job with each number! Excellent performance, could have played a few more tunes.

I expected more symphony less rock band and most definitely less singer.

Did not know what to expect, but I was amazed how well Brody Dolyniuk & band, sang David Bowie's hits with the DSO backing them. I loved it!

Especially enjoyed Space Oddity. Lead singer was a good proxy for David Bowie.

After having lost our parents I became the Matriarch of the family. I love my family very much and I try to keep up holiday traditions for my brothers, in-laws, nieces, nephews along with my own family. In an attempt to find new activities for our families to come together I purchased tickets for the DSO Christmas Pops concert. What a disappointment! It was clearly unorganized, had very few musicians and no string instruments. The conductor was less than entertaining and the breaks were as long or longer than the performance. The volume was way too low and the music choices were dull (with exception of a few numbers). The Tuba player was funny but at one point forgot his music backstage (what professional musician does that? If I could get a refund I certainly would. I was quite embarrassed to have relied on the good name of the DSO. It was clearly a low quality performance that was meant to give the musicians some extra holiday cash. I've heard performances by musicians in the mall that surpassed what we heard that night. I realize that my review is pretty negative but I am being honest. My hope would be that the DSO would take these negative comments and rethink the way this concert is being done. Sorry DSO but you definitely put COAL IN MY STOCKING!

Absolutely disappointing. No preparation. Percussion group only. They seemed to be making it up as they went along and the entire music presentation was an hour. They actually began and finished with the SAME SONG. Seriously? A lot of time killed with the tuba player doing schtick and the conductor telling bad jokes. Then the four man group leader lost his music and we had to wait for him to go back stage to find it. Just not very professional. First half they ran a loop of snow falling on the screen and the second half they just stopped using it. So much more could have been done. DSO should be ashamed of itself for putting this together. Several of the players weren't even part of the DSO. If I could ask for my money back - I would. Please?

The concert was a great way to get into the Holiday spirit..very entertaining especially the Tuba player. It was a very short concert, wish it would have lasted a little longer.

To hear the music of Star Wars performed live by the DSO on a beautiful night under a clear sky outdoor theater was simply AMAZING. Nothing beats watching the talented commendable musicians bring the musical score to life. But the surprise & delight was the engaging, charming, and delightful whim of their new Assistant Conductor who is animated and loves to engage the audience with ease. She was FANTASTIC!

I absolutely love the DSO and sitting out by the lawn in Meadowbrook; however, the combination of these two greats during last Sunday's Star Wars music concert was not ideal. The music was great for those who could actually hear it. Those of us sitting in the lawn area could barely hear the music, so the experience for us was not as pleasant as for those sitting in pavilion. I think Meadowbrook needs to install some amplifiers somewhere in lawn area.

We had lawn seats to make this event affordable for our 3 boys (ages 13, 10, 8) to join us. So did many, many other people, so it was very crowded on the lawn. The music was great, sounded just like the movies, although it could have been amplified to the lawn a bit better. We couldn't see a thing either and the conductor (I think it was her) was very, very, hard to hear from our far-back lawn seats. Overall, it was a nice way to introduce a full orchestral experience to our young boys.

Michelle Merrill did a wonderful job conducting a talented ensemble of musicians. The performance of John Williams' music was breath-taking.

The evening started off a little rocky but only due to the venue. Meadowbrook has to find a better way to control parking. With over an hour to showtime, traffic was backed up onto Adams, with only one lane moving into the parking area, having to cross on coming traffic (on campus), and two attendants standing together servicing one car at a time ($15 to park in a field?), and then that traffic had to merge with other oncoming traffic to park. This makes Meadowbrook my least favorite venue in the metro area. Now with that said the Detroit Symphony Orchestra was superb. I like the music of John Williams in general, and I am also a science fiction fan, so the DSO performing Star Wars music was a perfect combination for me. Seated in the Pavilion afforded us good sight lines and acoustically was good as well. Characters were about taking pictures with the patrons which was also good fun. Overall well done DSO. We were able to attend the DSO's performance at the Edsel Ford Estate the night before and again, DSO was top shelf.

This was an excellent performance. The conductor was outstanding and the orchestra sounded wonderful. This was a Great experience and it was fun having our pictures taken with the people dressed as Star Wars characters before the show.

If the DSO ever does any other themed concerts, I will definitely go to them (preferably Harry Potter Themed)

Brought 5 young boys who were engaged in the music the entire evening. Well done DSO!

An excellent performance by the Detroit Symphony orchestra of the music composed by John Williams for the Star Wars movie series! The conductor was animated and interacted well with the audience and provided wonderful entertainment! The lawn seats were great. Having the Star Wars characters there was a nice touch! Our kids enjoyed getting pictures with them. It was a wonderful, relaxing evening for our entire family.

I would highly recommend this concert to everyone who loves Star Wars. They had costumed characters walking around for photo ops (storm troopers, a Jawa, rebel fighter, snow trooper - all kinds!) That's just in the audience. Michelle Merrill was a phenomenal conductor. She had a great connection with her orchestra. She was engaged with the audience and looked very much as if she was having fun, from conducting with a light saber to her Princess Leia hairdo. Our DSO is a world class orchestra, and this concert was no exception. They sounded fantastic. The Choir in the back (2 songs in the first act) sounded great and really added to the show as well.

The musical performance was MAGICAL. The highly talented musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra are truly worth listening too. They put on a great performance. I will definitely go hear them again.

This event came through my meet up group, and I ended up taking my three children. What a beautiful setting, and as always, the DSO was outstanding. Tony DeSare was a wonderful performer, and I would highly recommend anything at Chene Park. Having the Detroit River as a back drop (not to mention the rainbow that made an appearance three songs into the concert) was really nice.

Fabulous! The setting and musicians. Even saw a rainbow over the water.

Dso and Tony Desare were wonderful. Chene Park offers a great setting for this event. The weather was just perfect!

The DSO is always extraordinary/ Rain did not dampen the spirit - it stopped shortly before the concert began.

Attended the DSO Russian Spectacular, and spectacular it was. The selections were beautiful, the performance exquisite, and the lawn tickets allowed us to take in the beautiful music while relaxing under the stars.

As movie score fans and huge lovers of John WIlliams and Hans Zimmer, my wife and I really enjoyed the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Night at the Movies concert!! They played our favorites from John WIlliams and Hans Zimmer flawlessly and a bunch of other movie score selections that we weren't very familiar. The whole concert from start to finish was great and it is totally different than listening to a CD of the score. The conductor's introductions and facts about the selections were also very interesting, informative, and entertaining. He is quite a delightful character and we really enjoyed his personality as well. Well done, DSO!!

My first time to see the Symphony, and it was amazing. Definitely will go back! Meadowbrook is an awesome venue.

Great concert...I wish the DSO was at Meadowbrook in June too. Great job!

Terrific, terrific, terrific! Always a pleasure to hear our orchestra!

We lucked out and got a beautiful night to be out (not so hot!!) The orchestra was superb and the music was lovely. The 1812 Overture was AWESOME!! One suggestion: it would have been nice to have had a program. So glad we went..

The atmosphere was incredible the music was perfect. It was a very enjoyable way to spend a Saturday night. I would recommend this to anyone that appreciates music. I know I will be attending again the next chance I get.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff are two of my favorite composers. Last night's selections were perfect. The DSO played beautifully as always. Andrew Grams, the conductor, was outstanding and superb. I want to see him conduct again and again; he is so lively and expressive and gets what he wants out of the orchestra precisely when he wants it. Chu-Fang Huang is obviously a very talented concert pianist and was superb! She plays with such passion and obvious love of music. I didn't want the concert to end and it seemed too soon for it to be - two hours passed very quickly. I think I could have stayed for another hour at least.

Wonderful evening of great music from a great symphony. We also went last friday to the "Italian Carnival": The William Tell overture with a perfect rainbow at the end was exhilerating! Please schedule more DSO concerts next year.

Detroit symphony gave excellent performance. Copland and Grofe pieces were excellent and chinese pianist was electric on Gershwin's Rhapsody. She jumped so much I thought something shocked her at first but her playing was excellent. New piece was different and I liked it and feel it may grow on you if I heard it again. Everything else very well done. I am not familiar with conductor but he did good job but I was not as impressed as with canadian conductor I saw at Orchestra hall recently. Well worth seeing however. Highly reccomended. My ladyfriend also concurs with my thoughts so give it 2 thumbs up!!!

We truly enjoyed the DSO at Meadowbrook -- and the weather cooperated, too! Chu-Fang Huang was fabulous in her interpretation of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, creating a fresh and appealing feel to what has become an American classic piece. DSO's use of dynamics, and seemingly effortless clear tones reminded why it is I love live classical music.

Marvelous orchestra, magnificent soloist, superb conductor. Masterworks. Bravo!

An amazing night with a great performance! The thunderstorm did not spoil the magic of the performance at all.

The selections and execution were wonderful. LLya Kater was superb. Hope that Mr. Wilkins is indeed included in futrue programs and presentations. (We will miss him.}

Except for the brass section, the DSO was not really much of a part of this performance. The solos by Bennitt (sp?) were very good.

This event was wonderful. All who missed it are the worse for doing so. The Symphony was incredible and the magician was great for the kids. I really loved the conductor and was sad to hear he is leaving! We had Grandparents, Parents and Children and all were happy to have been there. It was the perfect day, family outing and educational experience rolled into one! THANKS DSO!

why would you dumb down such a great orchestra with a magician who does children's parties and is NOT funny?

The music in this concert was pleasant enough but there was much too much talking in between selections so that any pleasant feelings from the music were quickly lost. Also, one piece that was listed in the program, the theme from "Hook" by John Williams was not performed. Next time, more music and less talking please. Also, while the magician was a nice touch for children I did not appreciate him pushing his business for private parties on stage. I didn't pay $30 per ticket to hear a personal promotion.

This was our first visit to Meadowbrook and our second time seeing the DSO. Needless to say this won't be our last for either. The show was absolutely fabulous and the venue was great. The seats were very comfortable and the veiw excellent. We are already planning our next trip to the DSO and of course Meadowbrook.

The concert was very good, it had some really good pieces.