Despite the unusual combination of violin and cello, the women's program of Ravel and Kodaly duos plus Golijov and Kreisler solos kept listeners spellbound. Powerfully impassioned playing, exquisite musicianship and nearly ideal interaction turned an orchestra's cancellation into a young artists' celebration. And how endearing was it to hear delightfully chatty introductions before each work. Both artists spoke extemporaneously as there had been no time to add program notes to Kravis' printed playbill.
Regional Arts Coordinator Susan Tilley read a message from the Jacksonville orchestra explaining its no-show. But whether from unfamiliarity, disinterest or disappointment, a mere fraction of the Regional Arts audience had turned out to hear the duo. Even more ticket holders bailed after a serious first half of Osvaldo Golijov's Omaramor for Solo Cello and Ravel's Duo for Violin and Cello, Op. 7.
Hard-core listeners remained undaunted and positively cheered the pair on. After the roars of approval and a standing ovation, the pair rewarded listeners with another meaty work as the super-charged encore: Handel's Passacaglia transcribed by Halvorson for violin and cello. Afterward, the two were practically mobbed backstage by well-wishers.