What happens when school spirit, cinematic power, and classical fanfare meet center stage? You get the Dearborn Symphony’s “Mad About Marches,” a slightly sport-centric evening of pure orchestral momentum that brings together fans of music, athletics, and pageantry in one unforgettable celebration.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. March 27 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn.
This high-energy program opens with a bold lineup of marches that span opera houses, parade routes, and the silver screen. From “March of the Toreadors” by Georges Bizet to the commanding presence of “The Imperial March” from The Empire Strikes Back by John Williams, audiences will be swept into a celebration of rhythm and spectacle.
Sousa favorites including The Gladiator March and The Washington Post March bring classic American flair, while the rousing Armed Forces Salute honors service with patriotic pride.
School spirit takes center stage with the fight songs of Michigan State University and University of Michigan, guaranteed to spark cheers from Spartan and Wolverine fans alike. Sports lovers will also recognize the adrenaline of the “Wide Receiver Theme” from NBC’s Sunday Night Football, alongside Williams’ triumphant Olympic tribute, “The Olympic Spirit.”
Following intermission, the momentum continues with the soulful swing of “St. Louis Blues March,” the festive charm of “March” from “The Nutcracker” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and the dramatic intensity of “March to the Scaffold” from “Symphonie Fantastique” by Hector Berlioz.
Patriotic brilliance shines in “National Emblem March” by Edwin Eugene Bagley, while Broadway swagger bursts forth in “Seventy-Six Trombones” by Meredith Wilson.
The celebration continues with the electrifying “The Raiders March,” Indiana Jones’ theme from “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the beloved “Radetzky March” by Johann Strauss Sr., and Sousa’s iconic “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” a grand finale guaranteed to get everyone on their feet.
Adding to the experience, the Dearborn Youth Symphony will join the orchestra for its annual side-by-side experience, sharing the stage in a powerful display of mentorship and musical collaboration. Plus, special guest, former Red Wings coach Dave Lewis, will also appear, lending his unique presence to an evening already brimming with energy and community pride.
In a season devoted to motion and music, “Mad About Marches” is all about momentum, from the first snare snap to the last thunderous chord. Whether you’re a lifelong concertgoer, a sports enthusiast, or simply someone who loves bold, brassy celebration, this concert delivers the kind of excitement only a live orchestra can provide.
Ticket prices range from $18 to $38 for adults and $10 to $15 for students. Tickets are available by calling the Symphony office or the Michael A. Guido Theater box office at 313-943-2354. Go to dearbornsymphony.org for more information.
The Dearborn Symphony has partnered with local restaurants for “Dinner and a Concert.” The restaurants offer a 20 percent discount to symphony ticket-holders on concert nights. Reservations are recommended at Dearborn restaurants Mint 29, TRIA at The Henry, Roman Village, and Antonio’s Cucina Italiana in Dearborn Heights and Canton.
Season sponsors include Dearborn Sausage Co. and North Empire with additional support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Dearborn Symphony, under the leadership of conductor Steven Jarvi, has been named “Outstanding Community Orchestra” six times by Detroit Music Awards and is a contributor of the arts in Dearborn and the Downriver community.