Flint Symphony Orchestra
Enrique Diemecke, music director & conductor
Anthony Ross, cello
Johann Strauss Jr., An der schönen blauen Donau, op. 314 (The Beautiful Blue Danube)
Edward Elgar, Cello Concerto in E minor, op. 85
Richard Strauss, Also sprach Zarathustra, op. 30 (Thus Spoke Zarathustra)
Prize-winning cellist Anthony Ross will leave his home as principal cellist of the Minnesota Orchestra to perform his compelling interpretation of Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto on the stage of Whiting Auditorium. A favorite among cellists, the piece rose to wide acclaim nearly 40 years after it premiered, when celebrity cellist Jacqueline du Pré released a recording in the 1960s. FSO will bookend the concerto with iconic pieces by Johann Strauss, Jr. and Richard Strauss. Strauss Jr.’s The Blue Danube is so well loved, in fact, that Austria adopted it as a second national anthem. The work by Richard Strauss has also been adopted as an anthem of sorts by sci-fi fanatics everywhere.
Where have I heard this before?
This season, the FSO reminds us how classical music has influenced pop culture by enhancing some iconic films. The 1998 film Hilary and Jackie — about cellist Jacqueline du Pré and her sister, flautist Hilary du Pré-Finzi — featured some of Jacqueline’s most renowned performances, including the Elgar Concerto. FSO will bookend the concerto, performed by award-winning cellist Anthony Ross, with iconic pieces by Johann Strauss, Jr. (Blue Danube Waltz) and Richard Strauss (Also sprach Zarathustra.) Movie buffs and sci-fi fans will recognize both pieces from Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Inside the Music • 6:30 pm
Title: From a Cellist’s Vantage Point
Guest Speaker: Julie Ford Edwards, cellist (Flint Symphony Orchestra and Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra)
Anthony Ross, cello
Dynamic leader of the Minnesota Orchestra’s cello section since 1991, prize-winning cellist Anthony Ross has appeared as soloist many times with the Orchestra, performing all the standard cello concertos under Osmo Vänskä, Edo de Waart and Eiji Oue. Equally passionate about new music, he has given powerful performances of Michael Daugherty’s Tales of Hemingway, James MacMillan’s Cello Concerto, Paul Moravec’s Montserrat, and he and his wife, cellist Beth Rapier, have championed David Ott’s Concerto for Two Cellos since 1993. Prior to assuming the principal role in Minnesota, Ross performed for four years as principal cello of the Rochester Philharmonic under David Zinman.
Winner of the prestigious bronze medal at the 1982 Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, Ross went on to gain the Stulberg Award, the G.B. Dealy Award and a prize in the Parisot International Cello Competition. He was awarded a McKnight Artist Fellowship, once as soloist and again in 2005 as part of the Ross Rapier Cello Duo. A graduate of Indiana University, where he studied with Fritz Magg, Ross earned another degree at the State University of New York, studying with Bernard Greenhouse and Timothy Eddy.
Supporting Sponsors
Dr. Mark and Genie Plucer
Joe & Patti Higgins
Victor and Inga Rabinkov
ASL Sponsor
Age recommendation: No one under 5 admitted (including babies in arms)
Runtime: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Including intermission
Sensory warning: Full band and loud volume.
Genesee County residents receive 30% off – discount applied at checkout.
Tickets start at $18 (plus fees)
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Age Recommendation
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.