Patrice Rushen Visits Motor City

Pianist/composer Patrice Rushen has been named Visiting Composer to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Rushen will compose three original symphonic works and will also act as music education ambassador to teachers and students at public schools, universities, and public service organization outreach programs. Rushen will premiere her first composition, “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory”, on January 14th, 2001. The composition will be presented as a multimedia work commemorating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She will follow with another premiere on March 23rd entitled “Songs of Triumph, Songs of Joy: The Legacy of Roland Hayes.” A third concert in June will feature music composed for a Young People’s Concert with the DSO at Orchestra Hall.

With over a dozen solo albums to her credit, Rushen is a renowned pianist, composer and director having worked on both the Emmy Awards and the NAACP as the first female music director. Rushen found early popularity with her 1982 Grammy-nominated hit “Forget Me Nots.”

Originally Published January 6, 2001