Craving a symphony of history and harmony? You have arrived at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. This isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to Detroit’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Max M. Fisher Music Center stands as a beacon for all types of music. Since its unveiling in 2003 it has been a destination for music lovers. Max Fisher and his family donated $25 million for its construction.
In 2015 the center was renamed to the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center. This recognized Marjorie Fisher’s support and leadership for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra DSO. Here you will not only hear classical music performed by the renowned Detroit Symphony Orchestra. “The Max” also hosts jazz, pop, and family concerts.
Orchestra Hall within the center was built in 1919. Its stage has seen countless talented musicians. It is world-renowned for its acoustical qualities. The hall blends elegant ambiance with advanced audio-visual technology. This 2000-seat hall has an in-house camera system. It provides video feeds to The Music Box, the Robert A. and Maggie Allesee Rehearsal Hall, and other display locations. Live and digitally recorded events can be easily shared. Performances and presentations can be recorded for archival purposes. Master recordings can also be made for off-line editing.
Step inside the Music Center’s Frankel Donor Lounge. Admire works by renowned glass artists Ginny Ruffner, Martin Blank, and Lucio Bubacco. The soaring four-story Atrium Lobby spans 17000 square feet. Its floor is made of Silverwater limestone from Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron. The second and third levels offer floor-to-ceiling views of Woodward Avenue.
Many of the symphony’s archival records were lost. They reside in other places such as the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library. The DSO now has an official archive room in the Music Center. It includes past orchestra rosters and photographs. Rare and historic scores are preserved here.
Max Martin Fisher was born in Pittsburgh in 1908. He was a businessman and philanthropist. He founded Aurora Gasoline. This oil company owned Speedway gas stations. He advised presidents on Middle East and Jewish issues. Fisher also led civic organizations in Detroit.
Fisher backed the $60 million Max M. Fisher Music Center. It serves as the home for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. It also includes a public high school for the performing arts center called The Max.
Leaving the Max M. Fisher Music Center, you carry more than memories of music. You carry the echoes of Detroit’s cultural soul.