Norfolk, Va

Contributed by Kimberley Cuachon-Haugh

What do you get when you mix the 20^th year of Joanne Foletta with the VSO, producer Aaron Fornstein and a new executive director Eric Borenstein?

An exciting kick off to the 2010/2011 season and the first ever VSO Unplugged event, that’s what. The historical Granby Theater welcomed symphony enthusiasts for an evening hosted by Joanne Foletta who opened us up to the much anticipated performances that the VSO will be presenting.

To begin the evening, violin power couple, concert master Vaun Armstrong and assistant concert master Amanda Armstrong dueted Béla Bartók’s “Transylvania Dance”. Vaun Armstrong will be performing Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto as part of Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony, conducted by Foletta.

The evening’s more laid back atmosphere lent the chance for us to see VSO musicians in a new light; strap-on electric violin included for an awesome rendition of Eric Clapton’s “Crossroads” and a demonstration of circular breathing, a technique mastered by Virginia Beach native Joe Burgstaller, who had the audience inhaling, breath holding, and wondering “how does he do that? Burgstaller on standard trumpet, flugelhorn and piccolo trumpet delivered the exotic sounds that will round out VSO’s 20^th season. At times it seemed as though Burgstaller’s fingers were separate entities of their own.

Mezzo soprano Sarah Williams dazzled us with her charm and voice giving us a taste of the Pop Series to come with a snippet from Broadway Divas. What can be assumed from Williams’ captivating performance of My Fair Lady’s “Could Have Danced All Night” and Funny Girl’s “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is an exciting and energy filled show that will prompt fond memories.

As the evening wound down, Robert Theis commanded the theater with two preludes from Gershwin tantalizing us for his classic and pop series that will celebrate Gershwin. He received an enormous applause which forced him to return to the spotlight for a second bow.

The night was a smart and clever approach to entice symphony enthusiasts and VSO supporters alike. It brought forth a more personal and memorable connection with the audience who will most likely take more than a second glance whenever anything is mentioned about the VSO in future. An entertaining auction that contained prizes such as an evening with Joanne Foletta and her husband at their home which fetched for $700 shows the VSO’s eagerness to captivate and keep the interests of their symphony community. All In all, the VSO get’s it! The high collared, pinky lifting stigma of the symphony must be broken, and was at this unplugged engagement, especially if it wishes to fills seats and maintain support from the community.

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