Detroit Symphony Orchestra Surprised With Some Cold Hard Cash From Benefactor

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra received a surprise endowment for each member of the Motor City symphony last week. Benefactor Marjorie S. Fisher, who died last June, designated $390,000 in her will to the orchestra -- a $5000 bestowal to every instrumentalist of the 78-piece ensemble.

Fisher was a respected philanthropist whose family were strong supporters of the Detroit Symphony. Orchestra member Kevin Brown, in conversation with the Detroit Free Press, recalled the scene when they were informed of the posthumous gift by Fisher's son, Phillip Fisher, a chairman on DSO's board:

"We were floored," said principal bassist Kevin Brown, 29. "It gets to the heart of the idea of the DSO family. When I came here two years ago, I was struck by how close we got to our patrons, more than in other places, and this gift is an extension of that. ... I'm grateful. I feel like it's something that bonds musicians and patrons in a new way and shows us we're appreciated in such a direct, tangible way."

Marjorie Fisher was the widow of late Detroit tycoon Max Fisher. Her family has been one of DSO's most charitable sources for many years -- they've awarded over $25 million to the symphony. The surprise $5000 donation to each DSO member was her last goodwill gesture for the orchestra in "Detroit Rock City."

Philip Fisher told the New York Times how significant the DSO was in Marjorie's life: "It was important to mother that they know how much they each meant to her and how grateful she was to have been associated with their devotion, passion and artistic excellence," he said in a statement.

DSO performs at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, named for the major donor family.

This weekend, the DSO presents a performance of Beethoven's First Piano Concerto with guests Louis Schwizgebel (pianist) and Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla (conductor). Check it out on Sunday, July 17 at Seligman Performing Arts Center at 3 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit www.dso.org.

TagsDetroit Symphony Orchestra, Marjorie S. Fisher