The small orchestra walked onstage. The audience settled down as they took their positions, and I watched the performers ready themselves. Suddenly, they started. They didn’t tune! I thought frantically as the musicians played on. One of my favorite moments had been skipped, but I couldn’t stop too long to think about it because I couldn’t afford to miss one breathtaking moment of the evening’s program. The tuning would come later.

Listening to Anne-Sophie Mutter on her violin was incredible. Her instrument had the most liquid sound, like molten gold, that reverberated beautifully around the concert hall. She seemed to know the music by heart, hardly referring to the sheet music on the music stands surrounding her. The young musicians playing with her were obviously very talented and passionate about the music. One of the cellists was so engrossed in his playing that he couldn’t sit still and danced in his seat with his feet sweeping back and forth.

The audience responded very enthusiastically, clapping with gusto at the conclusion of each piece and even before, something that the musicians were good sports about. It must be said, every ounce of extra applause absolutely merited.