DSO Receives Over $1 Million From Honda for Music Education in Detroit

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra announced today that Honda has provided the institution a gift of over $1 million to create The Power of Dreams Music Education Fund to help support and expand the DSO's nationally acclaimed music programs for young people, and particularly an effort to encourage and support involvement of children in Detroit. Honda will also support a campaign to promote public donations to the fund.

Over the next five years the DSO partnership with Honda will include:

-- Launch of a new initiative called The Power of Dreams String Project to provide introductory music education/string training to children in metro-Detroit communities where opportunities are non-existent or unaffordable.

-- Establishment of The Power of Dreams Music Scholar program to provide private lessons to aspiring students with financial need in the String Project, DSO Civic Ensembles and/or Detroit School of Arts (DSA), enabling them to fully develop their musical capabilities.

-- Support of DSO Civic Youth Ensemble performances; the DSO's educational partnership activities with the DSA; and the DSO's spring Educational Concert Series for metro area school children on April 10, 2008 in Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center.

-- Support of the 2008 Classical Roots Gala which raises funds for programs such as the DSO's African-American Fellowship Program.

-- Sponsorship of renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma's performance with the DSO on May 13, 2008, as well as a special daytime educational event for students (time and details TBA).

Honda's support will also help launch a public campaign to generate support for The Power of Dreams Fund. Honda has invited DSO musicians and students to perform in the Honda exhibit at the Detroit Auto Show Charity Gala on Friday, January 18 between 6 and 8:30 p.m. to celebrate this new partnership and to increase community awareness of this initiative. The public is encouraged to support the Power of Dreams Music Education Fund online at http://www.detroitsymphony.com. Beginning February 11, donors of $100 or more to this Fund will be eligible to win a variety of prizes including a Honda Accord EX-L V6 sedan, signed Yo-Yo Ma CDs and tickets to the May 13 Yo-Yo Ma performance at The Max. (Contest details will be available on the DSO's web site starting February 11).

"We are thrilled about this new partnership with Honda to support music education in our community," said Anne Parsons, DSO President and Executive Director. "Through Honda's support, our innovative Civic and DSA programs, which are unique in the nation, will help more young people tap into their creative abilities. It is especially gratifying that, for the first time, The Power of Dreams Fund will enable us to introduce children in our city to the wonders of playing an instrument, in particular where music education is not available or affordable. It will enable an exciting reality for many Detroit children."

Gary Kessler, Senior Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. said, "Honda's active involvement in the community is focused on youth and education and we are pleased to join the DSO in a shared vision for creating unique and engaging educational experiences that can help young people to realize their dreams."

Honda is the world's largest engine maker, producing a vast array of products, including automobiles, motorcycles, power equipment and, soon, jet aircraft - all designed to advance mobility and improve the lives of people through continued innovations in technology and design. Based on its belief in The Power of Dreams, and in the ability of individuals to create a new and better future for society, Honda also supports a variety of initiatives aimed at advancing education and creating experiences of discovery that help people to see and achieve their own dreams. For more information on Honda's philanthropic efforts and other innovative business initiatives, please visit http://www.corporate.honda.com

For more information about Detroit Symphony Orchestra educational programs, visit the organization online at http://www.detroitsymphony.com.