FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings Presents Structurally Sound: Spiral Quartet at the Charles H. Wright Museum
Celebrating Black Composers and Detroit’s Cultural Landmarks
Detroit, MI – Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings (DCWS) proudly announces the next installment of its acclaimed Structurally Sound series, blending music and history to create immersive cultural experiences. On Friday, January 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., the Spiral Quartet—an ensemble of four distinguished African American trombonists—will perform at the historic Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Structurally Sound is a one-of-a-kind concert series supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. This innovative program pairs live performances with rich storytelling, exploring how music interacts with the architectural and historical significance of Detroit’s iconic venues. The January concert honors the contributions of Black composers to classical music and celebrates the museum’s role as a cornerstone of African American culture and history.
Program Highlights
The Spiral Quartet will perform a compelling program featuring both classic and contemporary works, including the world premieres of two compositions by Black composers, Alison Loggins-Hull and Ehren Valmé. These works were commissioned with support from Sphinx and the University of Michigan.
- Lyric for Strings by George Walker
- Spiraling by Alison Loggins-Hull (World Premiere)
- Angelus by Ehren Valmé (World Premiere)
- Xango God of Thunder by Jeff Scott
- Monuments by Adolphus Hailstork
- Songs of Separation by William Grant Still
The concert will also feature guest pianist Liz Ames, celebrated for her collaborative artistry and innovative performances.
Meet the Spiral Quartet
The Spiral Quartet comprises four of the nation’s premier trombonists:
- David Jackson: Professor of Trombone, University of Michigan, and champion of new music.
- Kenneth Thompkins: Professor of Trombone, University of Michigan, and former Principal Trombone of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
- Weston Sprott: Dean and Director of the Preparatory Division at The Juilliard School and Trombonist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
- John Lofton: Bass Trombonist, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and faculty at California State University, Long Beach.
Event Details
Date: Friday, January 24, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI
Tickets: $30 General Admission | $25 Seniors | $15 Students
Tickets are available at detroitchamberwinds.org/performance/wright-museum/ or by calling 248-559-2095.
About the Venue
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is a beacon of cultural education, opening minds and changing lives through the celebration of African American history and culture. Its inspiring spaces provide the perfect backdrop for this special performance. Learn more at thewright.org.
About Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings
For over four decades, DCWS has delivered world-class chamber music to Detroit audiences, emphasizing creativity, accessibility, and cultural enrichment. Through innovative series like Structurally Sound, DCWS continues to redefine how audiences engage with music and their city.
Join us for this extraordinary evening of music, architecture, and culture, as the Spiral Quartet showcases the richness of African American contributions to the classical music tradition in one of Detroit’s most significant landmarks.