The Detroit Symphony Orchestra

"[. . .] thoroughly accessible to lay readers as well as scholars of music or urban studies. Covering the orchestra's creation and first concert in 1887 up to the modern-day, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is fascinating, inspiring, and highly recommended. A "must-read" especially to be treasured for its candid perspective on Detroit's shifting culture, demographics, and severe challenges."—Susan Bethany, Midwest Book Review

"The destiny of an Orchestra is inextricably linked to the health of the city in which it is situated. In their thoughtful and compelling history of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Harris and Ganson have not just documented the ebb and flow of one of the most important American Orchestras, but have shared a fascinating perspective on the history of Detroit. Consequently, all students of urban development, decline and revitalization should read this account."—Mark Volpe, Executive Director, Detroit Symphony Orchestra (1991–1997) and Managing Director, Boston Symphony Orchestra (1997–Present)

"Harris and Ganson's The Detroit Symphony Orchestra recovers a too-long-forgotten history of cultural symbiosis between city and symphony that broadens Detroit's place in the story of American musical life. Against dramatic economic cycles of boom, bust, and renewal, the orchestra's tale is animated by a remarkable cast of characters, the human ensemble that allows an orchestra to thrive: from charismatic music directors, powerful board chairs, savvy managers, and especially the musicians, who collectively bring the symphony to life. Of broad interest to lovers of history and of music, this lavishly illustrated and pioneering study extends the orchestra's founding date back to 1887, while also peering forward to consider the DSO's characteristic resilience as a model for music making in the twenty-first century."—Mark Clague, Associate Professor of Musicology, University of Michigan

"An affectionate and candid account of an orchestra that has shared distinguished artistry with its city and the world in the face of bewildering economic challenges. It's a story of musical heroism and perseverance told with fine sensitivity."—Donald Rosenberg, Author of the Cleveland Orchestra Story: "Second to None"