In Tuesday’s (11/13) Detroit News, Chris Felcyn writes, “Watching rehearsals for Saturday’s concert at Orchestra Hall, a sense of awe began to set in. … What set these preparations apart was the realization that the world-class music being made here is coming from nearly 200 musicians, the majority of whom aren’t yet old enough to vote. These are the Detroit Symphony Civic Ensembles. It all started more than a decade ago when then Detroit Symphony Orchestra chairman Peter Cummings approached Dr. Clyde Wu, a DSO board member and highly respected cardiologist, to head the orchestra’s Education Committee. Before answering, Wu thoroughly researched the youth orchestra situation across the country. … Meanwhile, Charles Burke was working with University of Michigan students in a conducting position endowed by Wu’s wife, Helen. In 1999, Burke became the DSO’s artistic director of Civic Ensembles. … Exposing kids and families to classical music isn’t enough, Burke said. The key to survival is ‘actually putting an instrument in their hands.’ … Saturday’s free program in Orchestra Hall will honor Clyde and Helen Wu by showcasing several top Civic ensembles, along with musicians of the Detroit Symphony, special guests and a few surprises.”
Posted November 14, 2012
