A Hero’s Life and Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G
Flint Symphony Orchestra
Enrique Diemecke music director and conductor
Marika Bournaki piano
Program:
Maurice Ravel Piano Concerto in G major
Richard Strauss Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40 (“A Hero’s Life”)
Imagine music as a mirror – what might one see in its reflection? For Strauss, he saw a hero as reflected in his unabashedly autobiographical and self-congratulatory tone-poem, Ein Heldenleben. For Ravel, who grew up in the culturally eclectic Basque region of France, his musical reflection revealed a fusion of cultural and modern influences that shaped his unique voice.
Pianist Marika Bournaki, hailed as “the Celine Dion of classical music,” will illuminate that fusion of cultures in Ravel’s Piano Concerto, which blends American jazz rhythms with colorful Spanish traditions of the Basques.
What You’ll Hear:
Inside the Music • 6:30pm
Title: Season Secrets with Maestro
Guest Speaker: Ashley Poirier, FIM manager of patron communications interviews Enrique Diemecke, music director and conductor, regarding his vision for the 2025-26 season.
About the guest artist:
Described as “the Celine Dion of classical” by The Huffington Post, pianist Marika Bournaki is a world-class performer and passionate advocate for new music. This season, she will debut Ravel’s Concerto in G with the Flint Symphony and Vista Philharmonic. As a renowned soloist, she has performed with orchestras across North America and Europe. Featured in the award-winning documentary I Am Not a Rock Star; Marika’s journey has captivated audiences worldwide. A Juilliard graduate, she brings an innovative approach to classical music. A devoted chamber musician, Marika – and her husband, the noted cellist Julian Schwarz, were nominated for a 67th GRAMMY Award for their collaboration on soprano Fotina Naumenko’s “Bespoke Songs.”
This concert is available for digital viewing, streaming live at concert time. Available on demand for 30 days following the concert.
What you need to know:
No one under 5 admitted (including babies in arms)
Runtime: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
(including intermission)
Sensory warning: Live, full orchestra with percussion and loud volume.
Tickets starting at $24.90 / $18.60 for Genesee County residents (total price includes fees)
Ticket packages on sale May 20. This performance is eligible for a special limited-time 20% package discount. Click to learn more and purchase a package.
Single tickets go on sale May 23 (Capitol Theatre) and July 1 (Whiting Auditorium, Flint Symphony Orchestra and Flint Repertory Theatre).
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Age Recommendations
No one under 5 admitted (including babes in arms).
All patrons regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the venue.
Regardless of age, disruptive patrons will be asked to leave.
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Photography
No photography or videography is allowed during this performance.
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Walkers & Wheelchairs
Due to (firecode), wheelchairs and walkers are only allowed in the accessible seating area and cannot be parked in the aisles.
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Accessible seating
Accessible seating is available and tickets must be purchased by phone or in person at FIM Ticket Center. Please inform the Patron Services Representative of any special needs you or your guests may have while purchasing tickets. Accessible seating is available for the patron and one companion.
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All Policies
To view all FIM Ticket Center & venue policies, click here.
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Security
FIM has implemented new security policies and protocols. To view all of our security measures, click here.
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No re-entry
No Re-entry. Once your ticket has been scanned, please plan to stay and enjoy the entire performance. Patrons will not be allowed to re-enter.
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Smoke/vape free zone
Smoke-Free Zones. All FIM venues are smoke-free. Per Michigan Law, Public Act 188, smoking is not allowed inside a venue or within 20 feet from the entrance to the building. Violators will be asked to leave. Vape-Free Zones. Vaping is not allowed anywhere within the venue. Violators will be asked to leave.
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Weapon free zone
Weapon-Free Zones. Firearms and weapons of any kind, including concealed weapons and pocket knives are prohibited.
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Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices are available at no charge. These devices are available from the FIM Whiting Auditorium lobby desk. A driver’s license, state-issued ID card or another form of security deposit is required.
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Familiarization Tours
Familiarization tours are offered to all patrons. Take a tour of the seating area and facilities before purchasing tickets. Guided tours for the visually impaired are available by appointment. Contact FIM Ticket Center to schedule your tour.
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Disruptive Patrons
Disruptive patrons, regardless of age, will be asked to leave. No refunds will be given.
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Program Content
Program Content Please note some performances may contain adult themes. Please check the event listing age recommendations prior to purchase or call FIM Ticket Center.
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Children & Families
All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the venue. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. For safety reasons, strollers and car seats are not allowed in the theatre. Regardless of age, disruptive patrons will be asked to leave. No refunds will be given.