Conceived for the US bicentennial celebration of American independence in 1976, John Cage imagined a freeform musical tapestry, a “musicircus,” that reflects America’s diversity and interdependence. Now, fifty years later, Detroit Opera presents a one-of-a-kind immersive experience realizing Cage’s utopian vision of American cultural coexistence.

Apartment House 1776 uses the image of an “apartment house” – each room containing a unique story from a different cultural background, unified into one interconnected building – as an inspiring metaphor for the American experience. Simultaneous performances by multiple artists, all arranged by chance operations, creates a one-of-a-kind “mix” of sights and sounds. Vocalists representing different religious and cultural communities sing traditional songs, while the individual instrumentalists of the Detroit Opera Orchestra perform fragments of music from the time of the American Revolution. This only-in-Detroit event promises to be a kaleidoscopic aural experience like no other. 

* There will be no assigned seating at these performances. Audiences are encouraged to walk through the immersive set on the main floor. For subscribers wishing to sit and listen, unassigned seats will be available in the balcony.