Austin Symphony / Nadia Salerno-Sonnenberg : 5 of 5

I love going to the symphony, but according to the WEBmikey archives, the last time I went (and wrote about it) was in 2000! It was definitely time to go again (as another part of my resolution), and I was lucky enough to see Nadia Salerno-Sonnenberg as violin soloist. The concert began with two Shostakovich works (as part of the 100 year anniversary, just like the recent opera), including the Violin Concerto No. 1, which is full of brooding and fire, but also great comedy in the Scherzo. Nadia was truly amazing, working up actual perspiration as her fingers flew. She was also very much in touch with the audience - when a few folks mistakingly applauded after the first movement, she just spoke up to say "It's not over yet!" During the intermission there was a huge line for autographs (which I watched from afar), including "groupies" who brought musical scores for her to sign. The final work was the Sibelius Symphony No. 1, which I had never heard before (I had to be able to identify Finlandia in college, but that was it). It's a beautiful symphony, with grand sweeping melodies that used everything in the orchestra, including two harps and lots of percussion, which I always enjoy. It was so nice to be back at the symphony - I actually remembered some of the faces of the musicians, and it's so amazing to let the beautiful sound of the orchestra wash over me. I'm definitely planning to see their next concert!