MSO: David's Perfect 10

On Saturday September 20^th I attended the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) performance of “David’s Perfect 10”. This evening there was a guest violinist, Juilliard grad Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg—whose performance was nothing short of show-stopping! She strode on stage beaming and utterly confident in her abilities—I could tell her performance was going to be standing-o worthy because of her pants. I know this sounds strange, but her black and white striped and shimmery pants were so ridiculous-looking that I assumed she must be so good on violin that her skill would distract the audience from her unconventional choice of attire. This proved to be true! She and the MSO’s performance of Piazolla’s “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” was an aural sensation. Some of my friends even commented that “halfway through we decided it was ok she wearing those pants”! Salerno-Sonnenberg put on a theatrical as well as a musical performance by swaying to the pulse of the music, while simultaneously dazzling everyone with her effortless runs on the violin.

The rest of the program paled in comparison. I was particularly confused by the placement of Ravel’s “Bolero” after Piazollo’s “Four Seaons” because “Bolero” is repetitive and a bit grating on the nerves. It does not implement any virtuosic solos nor innovative melodies. It’s the same motive over and over again. I felt that the best way to send off the audience is to leave them inspired and in high spirits—exactly how everyone felt after Sonnenberg’s spell-binding performance!

- Brigid Hannon

For a schedule of what, when and where Nadja performs next visit:

www.nadjasalernosonnenberg.com/concerts.html

For more information about the MSO’s upcoming concerts visit:

www.memphissymphony.org