Michigan Philharmonic Presents “PhilPalooza²”

What do you call it when 150 musicians get together and raise the roof? You call it a PHIL-PALOOZA – or a big musical party – and everyone is invited!

The Michigan Philharmonic has been celebrating its 73rd season honoring the 20th anniversary of Music Director & Conductor, Nan Washburn. To end this season with a bang, Nan invited lots of musical friends to the party. The Plymouth Community Band, the Michigan Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, a local award-winning soloist and a Detroit composer are all going to join the orchestra for the celebration. Part of the Michigan Philharmonics’ DNA is to engage the community through innovative performances which are unique, educational and inclusive, and this upcoming concert on Saturday, April 6 at the Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex, checks off all those boxes.

PhilPalooza² is the second concert featuring the collaboration between the Michigan Philharmonic and the Plymouth Community Band. This first took place in April of 2017 when the PCB joined the Michigan Phil for the first ever concert performance. According to Carl Battishill the Director of the PCB, “being invited to perform with the Michigan Philharmonic a couple of years ago was both scary and exciting. We had never combined with an orchestra before, sow e were a bit apprehensive. ... but at the concert we were totally amazed how great the groups sounded together!" This year the band joins the orchestra on Leonard Bernstein’s CANDIDE and John Williams, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK.

Adding to the fun and the spirit of partnerships, the concert will also feature hometown musical success, Zach Shemon, performing John Williams' ESCAPADES from the movie, “Catch Me if you Can”. Zach is a graduate of Canton High School and was a member of the 1999 National Championship Plymouth Canton Marching Band. He is now a member of the Grammy-award winning PRISM Quartet and serves as Asst. Professor of Saxophone at the University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. According to Shemon he is “thrilled to return to my hometown to perform with the Michigan Philharmonic and celebrate Nan's 20th season with the orchestra. Nan has supported me throughout my career, as far back as high school, when I was given the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the orchestra after winning the Young Artist Competition. It is great to see the Michigan Philharmonic continue to thrive so many years later and to see the positive impact the organization is having in the area. I wouldn't be where I am today had it not been for the opportunities that growing up in a community that values art, music, and education afforded me."

According to Executive Director, Beth Stewart, one of the hallmarks of the Michigan Philharmonic is its performance of contemporary repertoire featuring music of living composers. “The orchestra has featured works by dozens of award-winning composers which has included 15 world premieres bringing national attention to this small ensemble performing in SE Michigan. Even more exciting is the chance to feature composers from right in our own “backyard." Detroiter, Rick Robinson (aka Mr. Cut time), has made it his mission to open up classical music for all, making it accessible to everyone. The concert will feature a world premier orchestration of his piece, “Highland Park, City of Trees”.

This concert will also feature a side-by-side performance for students as the Concert Orchestra, the top group of the Michigan Philharmonic Youth Orchestra program, joins the party too. This group, made up of nearly 50 high school students, who perform as a full orchestra, is part of the entire Michigan Phil Youth Orchestra program which includes over 130 students in five different ensembles.

How fortunate this community boasts so many great musicians! You won’t want to miss this concert. For tickets and information call 734.451.2112 or www.michiganphil.org You can also follow the Michigan Philharmonic on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.