Striking Detroit Symphony musicians play for homeless

A small group of striking musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra brought holiday music to three area homeless shelters Wednesday.

The musicians’ made their final stop at the Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park, which provides shelter and other services for homeless and other at-risk gay and lesbian teens.

But the free concert attracted more than just the shelter’s clients.

Former Highland Park Mayor Titus McClary was among the crowd. He  says it was great to see kids enjoying the music, but (jokingly) took a bit of an issue with their response to Handel’s Messiah.

“Whenever we hear the Hallelujah, we stand, and pay special homage to that song. And everybody didn’t stand. I guess they don’t know you’re supposed to stand.”

The DSO has been on strike for nearly three months. Management and the musicians’ union are still locked in a bitter battle over pay cuts and working conditions.