The FWSO will also perform the uplifting Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88, filled with the lush melodies and gorgeous orchestration for which the composer was known. In keeping with the theme, Roberto Diaz, president of the acclaimed Curtis Institute and former principal violist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, performs Bartok's powerful Viola Concerto.

Learn more about the music at Symphonic Insights, which starts one hour before each concert in the audience chamber. Plus, come early for Lobby Lites starting at 6:45 p.m. on Casual, Chic Friday, featuring a performance by FWSO Principal Keyboardist Shields-Collins "Buddy" Bray in the lobby. Casual, Chic Friday concerts have no intermission and end at approximately 9 p.m., so patrons are free to enjoy the rest of the evening on the town.

A violist of international reputation, Roberto Díaz recently assumed the prestigious position of president and CEO of the Curtis Institute of Music. As a profeSingapore Symphony Orchestrar of viola at Curtis and former principal violist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, he has already had a significant impact on American musical life and will continue to do so in his dual roles as performer and educator.

Díaz' recent and upcoming performances include those with the Kansas City Symphony, New World Symphony, Netherlands Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra and the Bilbao Symphony as well as at Carnegie Hall with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra. Other engagements include those with the National Symphony, Boston Pops, Bavarian Radio Orchestra, Gulbenkian Orchestra, Orquesta Nacional de España, Russian State Symphony, Saarbrücken Radio Orchestra and Orquesta Simón Bolivar.

An active chamber musician, he has performed with the Emerson String Quartet, Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman, Christoph Eschenbach, Yo-Yo Ma, Wolfgang Sawallisch and Isaac Stern. His festival appearances include Kuhmo, Marlboro, Mostly Mozart at Lincoln Center, Spoleto and Verbier. As a member of the Díaz Trio, with violinist Andrés Cárdenes and cellist Andrés Díaz, he has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico and Chile. The Díaz Trio is an ensemble in-residence at the Brevard Music Festival.

Díaz has served as principal violist of the National Symphony, a member of the Boston Symphony and a member of the Minnesota Orchestra. He has received numerous awards, including prizes at the Naumburg and Munich international viola competitions, and his recording of transcriptions by William Primrose with Robert Koenig (Naxos) has been nominated for a Grammy. -- www.fwsymphony.org