OU Moment

Music in the Air

Oakland University faculty, students and staff gather for a concert at the Meadow Brook Music Festival

Oakland University faculty, student and staff gather for a concert at the Meadowbrook Music Festival

Oakland University faculty, students and staff gather for a concert at Meadow Brook Music Theatre.

Snapshot

icon of a calendarAugust 28, 2017

icon of a pencilBy Emell Derra Adolphus

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The Meadow Brook Music Festival was created by Oakland University in 1964 and is a place where cultural consumers can experience superior music in a scenic setting. Known as the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre today, the space attracts crowds by the thousands each season and is a stage for world-renowned artists and productions, from performances of Stravinsky’s “The Firebird Suite” by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) to Kidz Bop.

James D. Hicks, former assistant manager of the DSO, and former OU chair of music David DiChiera were instrumental in helping Chancellor Woody Varner turn the festival into a financial and musical success. The pavilion that extends over the venue’s seating is said to be the finest quality acoustical setup of any outdoor sound system in the country. On a clear summer night, from OU’s campus, you can hear the roaring applause from patrons appreciating a show and the sound is as comforting as music to the ears.

Want to peruse Oakland University's decorated history? Visit University Archives in the basement of the Kresge Library for more information.

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