Structurally Sound at Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Co-sponsored by Richard McClelland and the Family of Carroll V. Williams

The 2024-25 Structurally Sound series is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. This performance was made possible with the support of a Sphinx MPower Artist Grant. Visit sphinxmpower.org to learn more.

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, Allison Loggins-Hull and Ehren Valmé. This performance was made possible with the support of the University of Michigan and a Sphinx MPower Artist Grant. Visit sphinxmpower.org to learn more.

PROGRAM

Lyric for Strings by George Walker
Spiraling by Allison 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

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, Michigan State University, 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.

The concert will also feature guest pianist Liz Ames, celebrated for her collaborative artistry and innovative performances.

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.

As the museum approaches its 60th anniversary, its exhibitions reflect on its roots. The museum has curated an in-house exhibition focused on its founder, Charles Howard Wright, M.D. (1919-2002), celebrating his life and accomplishments. Patrons who would like to explore the museum exhibits may do so before the concert for an additional $15 admission to the museum. The Wright Museum typically closes at 5 p.m., but they have extended their hours to allow time to explore the exhibits.

For more information on all of the current exhibitions visit thewright.org.

Pre-Concert Reception
Please join us for a pre-concert reception at 6 p.m. in the Wright Museum’s Ford Freedom Rotunda. The reception is free of charge, and light refreshments will be served.

PARKING & DIRECTIONS

The venue highlighted in yellow.

Parking at the Cultural Center Parking Lot is highlighted in green ($7.00 card only). Drop off is available off of Warren Ave in the half circle.

You can enter the venue through the southwest entrance off of Farnsworth St. marked with a blue circle or off of Warren Ave marked with a red pin.