Orchestra Hall, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center

Venue info

Orchestra Hall was opened in 1919 for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, who had been performing at the Detroit Opera House before that time. The hall was built to satisfy the requirements of the DSO's second music director, Russian pianist Ossip Gabrilowitsch. The first performance in the 2,017-seat hall was on October 23, 1919 and signaled the start of a golden era for the DSO, featuring world-famous composers and performers. By 1939, financial problems brought about by the Depression forced the DSO to share space at the Masonic Temple Amphitheater. Orchestra Hall sat empty until 1941, when it was re-opened as the Paradise Theatre. The theatre was renowned as one of the premier jazz venues in the United States and featured many stars, including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Changing tastes eventually led to the closure of the Paradise Theatre in 1951. In 1970, the Hall was in great disrepair and was slated for demolition. Marches and street-side benefit performances by members of the Symphony led by Paul Ganson and local citizens saved the building. Over the next 20 years Orchestra Hall was renovated and restored back to its former grandeur. In 1989, the DSO moved back into the building and continues performing there to this day. In 2002 and 2003 the restoration started in 1970 was completed and much of the Hall's electrical and mechanical infrastructure was updated. The interior was also significantly improved and the building's historic facade as well as the awning and marquee were restored. During this period the Hall was also integrated into the new Max M. Fisher Music Center being built adjacent to the building. On October 11, 2003 the completely remodeled and updated Orchestra Hall was first revealed to the public as part of the grand opening of the Max M. Fisher Music Center.