Pals & Parody
Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5

Enrique Diemecke music director and conductor  
Pablo Diemecke violin
Alexander Mishnaevski viola

Program:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Sinfonia Concertante, K.364
Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 47

In his powerful fifth symphony, Shostakovich sought to regain official approval after his work had been condemned by Stalin. Masked as an apology, the piece parodies the sound of triumphant motifs and finishes with an over-the-top finale meant to please – and secretly ridicule – the Soviet regime.  

Meanwhile, Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante is a playful, spirited conversation between violinist and FSO Concertmaster Pablo Diemecke and former Detroit Symphony principal violist, Alexander Mishnaevski. The dynamic duo, who have been real-life pals for nearly 45 years, bring a special joy to this performance. 

What You’ll Hear:

Inside the Music • 6:30pm 
Title: In the Voice of Two: Dialogues of Grace & Defiance
Guest Speaker: Zeljko Milicevic (associate concertmaster) and Janine Bradbury (principal viola) discuss the roles of violin and viola in the orchestra.

About the guest artists:
Praised for his “star-caliber musicianship” and “virtually flawless playing,” Alexander Mishnaevski was the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Violist from 1986 to 2017. Born in Moscow, he trained at the Central Music School before emigrating to the U.S. in 1972. He earned full scholarships at Juilliard, studying with Dorothy DeLay and switching to viola at Isaac Stern’s suggestion. Before leading the DSO’s viola section, he previously held principal positions with the New York Chamber Orchestra, McGill Chamber Orchestra, and others. A sought-after soloist and chamber musician, he has performed worldwide, collaborating with luminaries like Isaac Stern and Shlomo Mintz. He has also taught master classes across North America, Europe, and Asia. 

Pablo Diemecke, a 2002 Grammy Award nominee for Best Classical Album with the Carlos Chávez Violin Concerto, is recognized as one of Canada’s finest violinists. His international solo engagements span North and South America, Europe, and Asia, with recordings including works by Prokofiev, Mozart, Dvořák, and Chávez, as well as Latin American repertoire. He has served as concertmaster and soloist with numerous orchestras, including the National Symphony of Mexico, Mexico State Symphony, and currently the Flint Symphony Orchestra. Diemecke champions Latin American composers, premiering and inspiring new concertos, and directs the DieMahler Ensemble and String Quartet, now in its 14th year. He is also a dedicated educator, offering master classes worldwide, with students earning positions in top orchestras and institutions.

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)