Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings and the Carr Center present the Resonate Symposium, an immersive learning and live music experience 

DETROIT (Mar. 28, 2023) – Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings (DCWS) and the Carr Center have joined forces to present a two-day symposium for Detroit’s next generation of composers. The symposium will take place at the Carr Center (15 E. Kirby St.) on April 14 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and April 15 from 1:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.  

The first day of the symposium will open with a keynote speech by multi-talented artist Damien Sneed, who is the founder and artistic director of Chorale Le Chateau. Sneed will be joined by composer Patrice Rushen for a dynamic interview and Q&A session. The second day will feature open rehearsals, allowing participants to witness the interactions between composers and the professional musicians performing their work. It will conclude with a concert at 7:30 p.m., followed by a closing reception.  

During the symposium, attendees, including high school and university students, will be able to learn from established artists, preview rehearsals, attend concerts and meet with university admissions panels. Attendees will be led through composition masterclasses where they will learn the skills needed to create new works.  

The Resonate Symposium is the product of a two-year collaborative commissioning project between DCWS, the Carr Center and five additional institutions: Oberlin Conservatory, Western Michigan University, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan State University and Bowling Green State University.  

The project, titled Resonate, commissioned seven composers to create works for a variety of instrumentations influenced by the African Diaspora. These works were performed by each of the partner institutions over two years. 

Each day of the symposium will end with a concert showcasing the works of the Resonate composers. The seven resonate composers, who were selected by a panel of musicians from each of the partner institutions, represent a wide range of musical styles. Participating composers are Courtney Bryan, Michael Frazier, Adolphus Hailstork, Nathalie Joachim, George Lewis, Patrice Rushen and Pamela Z.  

Four Resonate composers will be onsite, leading artist talks, participating in panel discussions, and guiding participants through composition masterclasses.  

DCWS President Maury Okun and Carr Center President Oliver Ragsdale remarked on the strength of the collaboration in bringing this new music to life: “Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings and the Carr Center have adventuresome audiences that approach new works with open minds and kind hearts. By collaborating with these great institutions throughout Michigan and Ohio, we can extend that spirit of artistic generosity and significantly leverage the impact of these wonderful composers.” 

Symposium details and concert tickets can be found at: www.detroitchamberwinds.org/resonate/ 

Registration to the symposium is free for students who present a student ID. For general admission, a single-day pass is $15 and a two-day pass is $25. Those interested may email DCWS Operations Manager Chloe Tooson at [email protected] or DCWS Community Engagement Officer Jainelle Robinson at [email protected]. 

About Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings 

Now in its 41st year, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings is an ensemble largely drawn from the ranks of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theatre, and area universities. The ensemble specializes in repertoire that utilizes between six and twenty musicians. More information can be found at www.detroitchamberwinds.org.  

About the Carr Center  

The Carr Center is a multi-disciplinary arts organization that leverages the essence of the African American cultural experience to inspire, entertain, challenge and educate. This is accomplished through three core programs: the Carr Center Presents, the Carr Center Arts Academy and the Carr Center Artist Hub. More information can be found at www.thecarrcenter.org.