On the Road with Joanne Robinson: Show #234 Virginia Beach

A beautiful gift basket for everyone, courtesy of violinist Annika Jenkins

We’re back in Boston for a short stretch following our taping last week at the beautiful Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach, where we met six terrific teenage performers.

Kicking off the show was a cello duo comprised of 17-year-old Naomi Benecasa and 18-year-old Richard Mazuski. They performed from Menotti’s Suite for Two Cellos and Piano and discussed their different approaches to the piece.

Following the duo, 15-year-old guitarist Noah Kim took the stage to play the fiery “Fuoco Libre” by Roland Dyens. Nick told us he has stage fright, but you’d never guess it from his relaxed presence onstage. He delivered an amusing list of one-liners for classical guitarists to use if teased about their long fingernails.

17-year-old bassoonist Keith Buncke was up next, playing from Sonata, Op. 168 by Camille Saint-Saëns and telling the audience about life at Interlochen Arts Academy.

Next, we were treated to a second helping of Saint-Saëns by 16-year-old violinist Annika Jenkins who played Danse Macabre. An arts activist, Annika was actually instrumental in the creation of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

Following Annika, talented 13-year-old pianist Michael Davidman took to the stage to play Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz – a devilish ending to a dynamite show!

Below, check out a taste of what you’ll experience when this show airs the week of June 27, 2011.