Flint Symphony Orchestra
Enrique Diemecke music director and conductor
Elena Ariza cello
2025 William C. Byrd Young Artist Competition Winner
Program
Antonín Dvořák Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 140, B. 191
Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky Manfred Symphony, Op. 58
The restless yearning of Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony and the rich voice of Dvořák’s cello concerto together explore the poignant beauty of longing, loss and redemption—where the darkness of sorrow is complemented by the sweetness of light.
Cellist and Julliard doctoral fellow Elena Ariza appears with the FSO as winner of the 2025 William C. Byrd Young Artist Competition, sponsored by the St. Cecilia Society. The competition, begun by long-time FSO conductor William C. Byrd, has been awarded to young musicians since 1970, and has been an invaluable contribution to the careers of the many winners who’ve gone on to achieve impressive musical success.
What You’ll Hear:
Inside the Music • 6:30pm
Title: Youthful Inspiration
Guest Speaker: Student musicians from Flint School of Performing Arts inspire and excite as they perform chamber music on the Whiting stage.
About the guest artist:
Cellist Elena Ariza is a dynamic artist known for creativity and community engagement. A featured cellist on Yo-Yo Ma’s Music Art Life project, she has performed with luminaries like Itzhak Perlman and Christopher O’Riley. She made her Carnegie Hall debut at 14 and has played worldwide, winning top prizes in competitions like the Gustav Mahler Prize Cello Competition.
A champion of contemporary music, Elena has premiered works by Anne Qian Wang, Hiroya Miura, and Libby Larsen. Passionate about activism, she has organized benefit concerts raising thousands of dollars for global causes. A Juilliard doctoral fellow, she studied at Columbia University and has performed as Principal Cellist of the Juilliard Orchestra. Based in NYC, she enjoys paper crafting and playing chamber music with her family.
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)
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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.