Starting on a musical note

As a part of the Virginia Wesleyan College Concert Series, Wesleyan hosted Falletta and Friends, a classical guitar, flute, and clarinet ensemble. The concert was held in the Fine Arts Building on Monday, Sept. 20.

For two hours, every seat in the theater was filled as listeners enjoyed the music of Beethoven, Gershwin, Rossini, Corelli, and Bartok.

JoAnn Falletta, the Music Director of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra delivered an outstanding performance on classical guitar.

Falletta received her master’s and doctorate degrees from The Julliard School of Music and has performed on guitar with the New York Philharmonic, The Metropolitan Opera, The Julliard Orchestra and the Savannah Symphony.

She has released over 25 titles, one of which features her original transcriptions of works by Schubert for guitar, clarinet and soprano.

Accompanying her on clarinet was musician Robert Alemany. He has performed internationally on clarinet. His recordings of Schubert’s Guitar and The Viennese Guitar received an award from “Classic CD” magazine.

Flutist Debra Wendells Cross also accompanied Falletta. She holds the position of Principal Flute in the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Opera Orchestra.

Among the audience were several Wesleyan students. This was the first concert on campus that junior Tina Pierce has attended.

“I’ve enjoyed the whole concert,” said Pierce. “ I never listen to classical music, and, to my surprise, I really enjoyed it.”

“The music was wonderful; very sprightly. [The group] played well together and I liked being so close to the musicians.” said Kate Loring, Vice President for Administration and Special Assistant to the President.

She feels that this concert was a different experience because it is was set in a more intimate setting.

In total, Falletta and Friends played five pieces with an intermission and encore. The encore was a piece by Astor Piazzola titled “Oblivian.” JoAnn Falletta played on a custom made guitar created by Australian guitar artisan Paul Sheradan.

When asked what inspiration she could give to young adults Falletta said, “[Music] remains a great treasure of life. It brings joy and self-discovery.”