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DCWS explores the intersection of music and Detroit history on the centennial year of the Congregation
DETROIT (Mar 1, 2024) — In 1924, what is now known as the Congregation, was built after a fire burned down St. Luke’s Evangelical Church. Now, 100 years later, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings explores the intersection of music and Detroit history at the Congregation (9321 Rosa Parks Blvd Detroit, Mich. 48206) on March 24, 2024, at 6 p.m.
As a former church transformed into a coffee shop and bar, the Congregation has had a storied history in Detroit. It was home to several different congregations and housed civil rights activists. The Congregation has put significant efforts into preserving the integrity, historical detail and finishes of the space.
The concert will be led by Detroit Symphony Orchestra flutist Amanda Blaikie, who doubles as a core musician for DCWS. She will be joined by violist James Madison, cellist Una O’Riordan and guitarist Bret Hoag.
The event will feature a wide range of music such as selections from Bach’s Goldberg Variations for flute and guitar, as well as Adolphus Hailstork’s Three Spirituals for flute, viola and guitar. Each piece was deliberately selected by Blaikie to unite the sacred and secular worlds, connecting to the history of the venue.
This concert is part of the organization’s Structurally Sound series, which connects music and architecture around the city of Detroit. The concert series has hosted concerts at some of the city’s most notable venues, including the Motown Mansion, Dequindre Cut and the Redford Theatre.
“Structurally Sound challenges our performers to match their musical imaginations with interesting physical spaces in the City of Detroit,” said DCWS President Maury Okun. “The musicians enjoy that challenge and create performances that are artistically rewarding and, especially, appealing to our intellectually curious audience.”
Patrons will be able to purchase a limited selection of beverages, including water, beer, wine and coffee, as well as a small selection of pastries during the event.
Tickets to the concert are available at https://detroitchamberwinds.org/performance/the-congregation/.
Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors and $15 for students.
For our full list of concerts, visit https://detroitchamberwinds.org/performances/
As a DCWS musician, Amanda Blaikie is sponsored by Mary Brevard.
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About Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings
Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings is an ensemble committed to bringing to life the body of repertoire that utilizes between six and 20 musicians. DCWS musicians are drawn primarily from the Detroit Symphony and Detroit Opera orchestras. Now in its 42nd year, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings presents three distinct concert series: the Nightnotes Series, the Signature Series and Structurally Sound. More information at detroitchamberwinds.org.