An Associated Press report posted Tuesday (3/20) on the Michigan news site MLive.com states, “The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has tapped jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard to oversee its jazz series. The orchestra announced Tuesday Blanchard will curate acts for the Paradise Jazz Series and contribute to community education. The five-time Grammy winner is serving as the Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Chair. Orchestra officials say Blanchard will make special guest appearances, serve as a host and at times perform with featured artists. His first appearance at Orchestra Hall in his role will be May 4 for a tribute to the musical relationship between jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie and Cuban percussionist Chano Pozo.” Monday (3/19) on the Detroit Free Press online, Mark Stryker reports, “The Detroit Symphony Orchestra today announced a $500,000 gift from the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation. The money is earmarked for education initiatives. The gift, which comes on top of an additional $500,000 donation from the Marjorie S. Fisher Fund made during last season’s debilitating strike, will help fund provisions in the new musicians contract that guarantees $2 million worth of optional work opportunities for the players related to community engagement. At least a quarter of that optional work consists of education programs.”
Posted March 21, 2012
