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The Flint Symphony Orchestra, which began more than 80 years ago as a community orchestra in a fast-growing automotive environment,
enjoyed wide support and participation from those in the Flint area. In spite of drastic changes in the community since that time,
the support and love for the orchestra has remained and grown. There are a number of reasons why.
Maestro
Enrique Diemecke
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For 19 years, the FSO has been privileged to have its Music Director and Conductor, Maestro Enrique Diemecke. He takes time from his
busy schedule as Music Director and Conductor of the National Symphony of Mexico, Long Beach Symphony (CA) and Buenos Aires Philharmonic at the Teatro Colon and Principal Guest Conductor
of the Montpellier-Languedoc-Roussilon Philharmonic Orchestra in France, as well as guest conducting with orchestras around the world to come to Flint. And during that time he has developed a rapport with both audiences and musicians that is nothing less than extraordinary.
Tom Glasscock, Manager, FSO, comments,
Enrique has made a place in the hearts of the people of Flint.
They recognize his enormous talent and ability to create performances of great sensitivity and drama. And they also enjoy his
wit, versatility and openness. It is a relationship that has grown and developed over the years.
Many musicians travel more than 100 miles and balance hectic schedules to perform with the FSO. Concermaster Andrew Jennings, who also
serves as violinist of the Concord Piano Trio, Professor of Violin and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan and Oberlin College,
Artist Faculty and Co-chair of Chamber Music at Tanglewood Music Center, plus a host of other positions, has this to say.
"Since I am not exactly under-employed, there is only one reason to add the FSO to my life - the joyfulness of making music
with others who feel the same way and under the
direction of one who creates an environment which encourages us all to search for joy in our souls!"
Carrie Banfield-Taplin, Principal Horn, comes from Toledo to perform with the FSO. Here's what she has to say about the FSO & Enrique Diemecke.
Enrique is a wonderful musician. Under his leadership the orchestra has grown steadily into a first-rate performing ensemble. The 'product'
this orchestra puts out concert after concert is pretty remarkable. There is a wonderful combination of community, professionalism, joy and
inspiration here.
Part of FSO's appeal is its innovativeness in programming. Regularly, the orchestra performs music that challenges and inspires musicians and
audience members alike. Several seasons ago, the FSO undertook a look at women in classical music, performing a piece by a female composer
in nearly every concert. And in past concerts, the orchestra has undertaken major works like Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, Richard Strauss'
Alpine Symphony and Mahler's Ninth Symphony about which a reviewer commented,
Diemecke, who conducted this memorable performance without a score, truly deserved the standing ovation accorded him for a masterful accomplishment.
As for the orchestra, it is impossible to imagine these musicians ever playing with more passionate feeling or technical brilliance.
Audience attendance figures attest to the popularity of Diemecke and the FSO. Through the help of a program called
The PIT, the FSO attracts more than 150 students to every concert.
Numbers, however, only hint at the enthusiasm of the audience. When asked to describe her experience with the FSO, season ticket holder
Jean Montooth would include...
all the wonderful adjectives in the world. Plus we like Enrique's enthusiasm, personality and accessibility. He's so down-to-earth.
He understands that there are people like us who don't know a thing about music, but just like to listen. We wouldn't give up our seats
for anything.
Jean and her husband John have also recruited their friends to become season ticket holders, occupying almost an entire row at every
symphony concert.
Sam Chambers is another fan of the orchestra and Maestro Diemecke. Originally a Detroit Symphony Orchestra season ticket holder, Chambers
began going to the FSO regularly after he saw Maestro Diemecke conduct.
I like the way he gets into the music. From my seat I can see his face clearly when he turns to the violins. His expression is very
meaningful and it carries me away. I've never experienced a bad concert with the FSO.
Through outstanding leadership and musical excellence, the FSO and Maestro Diemecke have developed a strong and loyal following throughout
southeastern Michigan rivaled by few other orchestras its size.
The orchestra performs a variety of concerts throughout the year:
Classical Concerts - Six concerts are held from September through April.
Music in the Parks - The symphony also takes part in this summer concert series held outdoors during the
summer months at city and county parks.
Holiday Pops - This musical extravaganza presented by the Flint Journal and abc12,
celebrates the spirit of the holidays. Featuring the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint Festival Chorus and others.
Held at The Whiting each December.
Nutcracker - The FSO performs the music for this timeless holiday classic in The Whiting, with dancers from
Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Flint School of the Performing Arts. It's a holiday treat you won't soon forget!
Meet the Manager
Tom Glasscock
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Tom Glasscock, Manager,
Flint Symphony Orchestra
Tom Glasscock has provided his services to the organization for more than 25 years, beginning as a player in the Flint Symphony Orchestra.
He still performs with the FSO and, until recently, with the Saginaw/Bay Orchestra and several theatre orchestras, playing double bass. He
has also performed on double bass in the Colorado Springs Symphony, on tuba in the Great Lakes Brass Quintet and on double bass and tuba in
the U.S. Air Force Academy band, as well as with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Springfield (MO) Symphony Orchestra.
Glasscock also taught band and orchestra for many years and has a Bachelor of Music Education from Wichita State University and Masters
work in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University.
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