Interested in hearing the soundtracks from “Toy Story,” “James and the Giant Peach” and “A Bug’s Life” with the potency of a live orchestra? Well, it’s going to cost you.
Iconic singer, songwriter and composer Randy Newman has announced his participation in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s annual Heroes Gala – a highbrow event which raises funding for youth music education programs. Newman will perform hits from his 50-year-spanning career alongside DSO Conductor and Music Director Maestro Leonard Slatkin on June 6, in addition to the celebration’s gourmet dinner, dessert reception, late-night dancing and “other special activities.”
“I’ve known Leonard since we were children,” said Newman. “One of us took the good road and one of us took the bad road. He’s a great conductor, one of the best in the world. His stick is so good and says so much that the orchestra actually watches him. This is not always the case as I will prove at the concert. It’s always a thrill and an honor to write for and conduct a symphony orchestra. To work with Leonard, who is my good friend and the best musician I know, is as good as it gets for me.
Newman, who once studied alongside the DSO’s Maestro Leonard Slatkin in Los Angeles, has been nominated for 20 Academy Awards (winning twice), three Emmys, six Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. He is most well-known for his film score selections, including: “Cold Turkey,” “Ragtime,” “The Natural,” “Major League,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “Toy Story (1, 2, 3 and 4),” “A Bug’s Life,” “Meet the Parents,” “Jurassic Park 3,” “Monsters Inc.,” “Cars,” and more.
Ticket packages for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Heroes Gala and benefit concert range from $1,000 – $10,000 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 313-576-5111.