Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Soul and Funk

Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Soul and Funk at Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall

Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Soul and Funk brings Motown, Memphis and the whole chart-topping lineage of American groove into Orchestra Hall on Friday, June 18, 2027, at 10:45 AM. Vocalists Ty Taylor and Maiya Sykes celebrate the timeless spirit of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, James Brown, and Kool & the Gang, with conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez leading the ensemble through the hits that defined soul and funk.

This program puts orchestra musicians behind the rhythm and melody that made those artists famous. Strings, horns and a full symphonic palette give the repertoire new color while preserving the groove and vocal fire that made the originals essential. If you love the way a bass line holds a song together or the punch of a horn section breaking through, this is your chance to hear those elements live, arranged for the concert stage and performed by musicians trained to deliver precision and feeling in equal measure.

The vocalists anchor the morning. Ty Taylor and Maiya Sykes share the program, giving the audience two voices to follow across a setlist built from chart-toppers and beloved catalog deep cuts. Each brings interpretive skill to material that demands both respect and personality. Bring someone who knows why these songs matter and who will appreciate hearing them performed with care and energy.

Browse Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Soul and Funk tickets for June 18 at Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall. Book your Detroit concert outing.