Nominate Berkley, Huntington Woods for a Free DSO Concert

Do you want the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) to perform a free community concert in Huntington Woods or Berkley?

This fall, the DSO will be out and about in Metro Detroit, performing concerts in communities that nominate themselves. The concerts are made possible by support from the DTE Energy Foundation.

"The concert series is just one of the many ways that the DSO inspires individuals, families and communities across Southeastern Michigan," said Fred Shell, vice president of corporate and government affairs and president of the DTE Energy Foundation. "We hope to continue that tradition by providing a fun, practical manner for the DSO, and DTE Energy, to partner with communities we have both served for well over a century."

Representative of venues — whether they be organizations, schools, places of worship or community centers — are invited to nominate themselves for a free concert. All nominations are due by 5 p.m. May 21 and nominee profiles will be posted at www.dso.org/dtemusic by May 25.

Members of the public will then be encouraged to send in their comments online, supporting these nominations. A five-member panel from the DSO and DTE Energy wil then review all nominations and the community comments, and select several venues for concerts to be held the week of Sept. 17. The winning venues will be announced June 5.

"We are so grateful to DTE Energy Foundation and their passion for a shared vision to provide access to the DSO for our entire community," said Anne Parsons, DSO president and CEO. "We hope this open nomination process will help bring new audiences in closer contact with unique, inspiring musical experiences."

In addition, one nominee will receive a full DSO residency during the 2012-13 season. A residency includes programming such as chamber music performances, senior engagement concerts, school visits, hospital performances, library visits and more.

Venue eligibility will be based on the following criteria:

• Must be within 45 minutes from Orchestra Hall in Detroit
• Appropriate to accomodate a full orchestra with a stage/performance area
• Fully accessible venue meeting all ADA requirements, including ample and convenient parking
• Venue must be donated for the concert
• Audience capacity of 400 or more
• A compelling narrative: how would a free DSO community concert impact your community (150 words or less)
• Ability to co-promote the event
• Up to four letters of support representing diverse cross sections of the community

Full nomination instructions, as well as more venue criteria, can be found at www.dso.org/dtemusic.