Leonard Slatkin & DSO Invite Audience Members to Take Cell Phone Photos of Concert

Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) Music Director Leonard Slatkin became the first orchestral conductor to ask a classical concert audience to turn their cell phones on last night, while conducting the first concert on the DSO's Floriday Tour at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

Before the orchestra began its encore, Slatkin turned to the audience and said, "You've heard that we're the most accessible orchestra on the planet, and tonight you're going to be the most accessible audience on the planet. For the first time I'd like to invite you to turn your cell phones for a change, and cross the stage's barrier by capturing this moment and posting your photos to your favorite social media channels."

The DSO's Florida Tour includes a comprehensive social media campaign. A Tumblr page (detroitsymphony.tumblr.com) is dedicated to documenting the orchestra's pursuits onstage and off while on the road, Frances the Flamingo, a personified plastic yard flamingo and tour mascot, is featured thoughout many posts and the hashtag #DSOFLoridaTour tracks mentions across all social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr.

The DSO's appearances in Florida are made possible by generous support from the General Motors Foundation and Cadillac.

The internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in December 2012, is known for trailblazing performances, visionary maestros, collaborations with the world's foremost musical artists, and an unwavering commitment to Detroit. Esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin, called "America's Music Director" by the Los Angeles Times, became the 12th Music Director of the DSO during the 2008-09 season and acclaimed conductor, arranger, and trumpeter, Jeff Tyzik was appointed Principal Pops Conductor in November 2012. The DSO's performance schedule includes Classical, Pops, Jazz, Young People's, Neighborhood concerts, and collaborations with chart-topping musicians from Smokey Robinson to Kid Rock. A commitment to broadcast innovation began in 1922 when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a radio broadcast and continues today with the free Live from Orchestra Hall webcast series. Making its home at historic Orchestra Hall and the Max M. Fisher Music Center, one of America's most acoustically perfect concert halls, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact and serve the community through music. For more information visit dso.org or download the free DSO to Go mobile app.