ARTS&LIFE
MUSIC

P

eter Cummings, who 
established a long career 
as a real estate developer 
starting in 1975, has brought his 
professional skills to the Detroit 
Symphony Orchestra (DSO) 
during some 30 years of volun-
teer commitment.
Cummings, currently execu-
tive chairman and CEO of The 
Platform, which brings commer-
cial and residential innovation to 
Detroit, became a member of the 
symphony board in 1992, spent 
six years as chairman and is now 
chairman emeritus. 
For his DSO development 
successes, Cummings is being 
recognized on June 17 at the 11th 
Heroes Gala and Benefit Concert. 
“Two Pianos: Who Could Ask 
for Anything More?” will feature 
performances by singer-pianist 
Michael Feinstein and pianist 
Jean-Yves Thibaudet under the 
leadership of conductor Jader 
Bignamini, DSO music director.
After a presentation of 
20th-century American songs 
composed by George Gershwin, 
Leonard Bernstein, Irving Berlin 
and Richard Rodgers, there will 
be a black-tie gala with proceeds 
from the evening benefiting the 
orchestra’s music education for 
young people. 
“Music brings color to my life,” 
said Cummings, who took piano 
lessons as a youngster growing up 
in Canada. “Being able to enjoy 

A Giant

SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
in the DSO

Peter Cummings to be 
honored at June 17 concert 
for his impact on the Detroit 
Symphony Orchestra.

DSO

Pianists Jean-Yves Thibaudet 
and Michael Feinstein 
 

