The Human Element
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:30 PM
The Zeiterion
Yaniv Dinur, conductor
Michel Camilo, piano
Missy Mazzoli: River Rouge Transfiguration
Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 3
Michel Camilo: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No.1
This concert is a celebration of transformation—of sound, of spirit, and of the boundless possibilities in music that dares to cross borders.
We begin with Missy Mazzoli’s River Rouge Transfiguration—a vivid, pulsing soundscape inspired by Detroit’s industrial heart. It’s a musical metamorphosis, where steel and smoke give way to shimmering light and unexpected beauty.
Next, we dive into the rich, emotional landscapes of Brahms’ Symphony No. 3—a masterpiece of tenderness and passion. From its noble opening to its yearning finale, Brahms invites us into a world where strength and vulnerability exist in perfect harmony.
Finally, Dominican-born jazz and classical powerhouse Michel Camilo brings electrifying charisma to the stage with his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1. Blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz spontaneity, and classical grandeur, Camilo’s concerto is a thrilling ride—bold, joyful, and utterly alive. And the slow movement will stir your soul.
Feel the rush. Be transformed. Let the music take over.
Note: We are delighted to welcome concertmaster candidate Hikaru Yonezaki as concertmaster for this evening’s performance.
Come Early for the Full Experience!
Make the most of your evening by arriving early to check out the pre-concert activities and settle into the rhythm of the night.
- 6:35 and 7:05 PM: Sangha Yoga will lead a gentle 15-minute session in the Dr. Gail Davidson Movement Studio—a calming reset to help you slow down, ground yourself, and open your senses before the music begins.
- 6:30 to 7:15 PM: Play Your Name! NBSO violinists EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and Adam Jeffreys will be available to turn your name into a unique tune!
- 6:30 to 6:55 PM in the auditorium: Join Yaniv Dinur and guest artist Michel Camilo for the always-popular pre-concert chat—a lively and insightful preview that deepens your connection and enhances your listening experience.
- 6:00 to 7:25 PM: Drop in to The Speakeasy Experience! Free pre-registration required. The Speakeasy in the lower level of the Zeiterion has quickly become the place to be! Get your ticket to The Human Element, then register to attend this special pre-concert experience. (You must have a ticket to The Human Element to attend this experience.)
Come on down for a beverage at the cash bar and entertainment by the Buttonwood Brass jazz quartet. It’s a cool, relaxed setting with tables and chairs where you can mingle with friends before the NBSO concert.
Lobby doors open at 6:00 pm, auditorium doors open at 6:15 pm for those attending the pre-concert talk, and the main lobby bar opens at 6:30 pm.
Friday, April 17, 4:00 – 6:30 PM in the Zeiterion Auditorium
Come see a working rehearsal, get a sneak peek of this weekend’s music, or relax and enjoy your favorite orchestra!
Seating is general admission, and no tickets or RSVP are required. A 20-minute break usually occurs between 5 and 5:30. Come and go as you please! To prevent disrupting the rehearsal process, we kindly ask that applause be reserved for the end of the session.
Rehearsal Schedule:
Camilo Piano Concerto No 1, with Michel Camilo
Brahms Symphony No. 3
NBSO MUSICIAN ROSTER
Yaniv Dinur, Music Director
Music Director Sponsors: Allan and Priscilla Ditchfield, Susan and Dexter Mead
Please note: The following roster is a listing of the musicians for the April 18, 2026, concert only. Please click here for the official 2025-2026 roster, which includes recognition of our valued musician chair supporters.
Hikaru Yonezaki
Bryce Martin
Kyra Davies
Jennifer Memoli
Emma Powell
Linda Scenna
Michael Hustedde
Hannah Goldstick
Leah Zelnick
Mina Lavcheva
Violin II
Emmalee Holmes-Hicks
David Rubin
Nozomi Murayama
Jiuri Yu
Adam Jeffreys
Sophia Bernitz
Yeonji Shim
Raluca Dumitrache
Daniel Faris
Carrol Lee
Viola
Anna Griffis
Chris Nunn
Elisa Birdseye
Sam Kelder
Sachin Shukla
Sophia Nikas
Maureen Heflinger
Rebecca Hallowell
Leo Eguchi
Soobin Kong
Peter Zay
Sam Boundy
Stefan Gabriel
Bonnie Harlow
Fabrizio Mazzetta
Eleanor Blake
Double Bass
Peter Walsh
John Shiu
Nathan Varga
Kiefer Fuller
Moisés Carrasco
Flute
Timothy Macri
Caitly Schmidt
Piccolo
Elzbieta Brandys-O
Oboe
Laura Shamu
Laura Schaefer
French Horn
Michael Bellofatto
Virginia Morales
Nancy Hudgins
Brianna Kirkland
Clarinet
Nicholas Brown
Rane Moore
Bassoon
Rachel Juszczak
Stephanie Busby
Trumpet
Kyle Spraker
Geoffrey Shamu
Sam Thurston
Tuba
Takatsugu Hagiwara
Jarrod Briley
Seth Budahl
Robert Hoveland
Bass Trombone
James Monaghan
Timpani
Michael Weinfield-Zell
Percussion
Dylan Barber
Gregory Simonds
Harp
Maria Spraker
Piano
Pei-yeh Tsai
Orchestra Librarian
Andrés Almirall
Director of Concert Operations
Roberta Kennedy