The 48th Classical Roots concert and 25th Annual Arthur L. Johnson- Honorable Damon Jerome Keith Celebration is scheduled for March 7, 2026. This year, we are pleased to honor educator, recording artist, and longtime DSO Principal Trombone Kenneth Thompkins. As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Classical Roots Celebration we will also be honoring former Co-Chairs of our Classical Roots Steering Committee. In addition, we will celebrate our 5th Annual Marlowe Stoudamire Honoree for Innovation and Community Collaboration, who will be announced at a later date.
Since 1978, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Roots concerts have increased the awareness of the significant contributions that African Americans composers and musicians have made to classical music. The Dr. Arthur L. Johnson – Honorable Damon Jerome Keith Classical Roots Celebration, held in conjunction with the concerts since 2001, supports the Classical Roots mission. Funds raised through the Celebration provide increased opportunities for African Americans in classical music through DSO programs including the African American Orchestra Fellowship and the African American Composer Residency.
Previous Co-Chairs:
Sherman C. Barton, Chacona W. Baugh, Janice Cosby, Jasmin DeForrest, Linda Forte, Herman B. Gray, Algea O. Hale*, Laydell Harper Wyatt, Vera Heidelberg, Ellen Hill Zeringue, Dr. Arthur L. Johnson*, Sterling C. Jones, Jr.*, Mable Jones, Rita L. Jordan, Christine Kageff, H. Keith Mobley, Willis C. Patterson*, Therese Peace Agboh, Priscilla Perkins, Robert E. Perkins DDS* and Jason E. Tinsley.
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