I hope you didn’t miss the March 16 performance of Schumann’s “Piano Concerto in A Minor” by 16-year-old Salome Jordania of Tbilisi, Georgia, with the San Luis Obispo Symphony.

Although she appeared nervous at first, she dove right in, playing from memory. In watching her face as she played, it was as though she were hearing and seeing the music in a different universe far away and channeling it directly to her hands. This is not a simple piece, but one full of complexity and nuance.

The entire audience leapt to its feet at the close and clapped and hollered (in a very un-classical way). The San Luis Obispo orchestra was caught up in the piece and performed very well, also. It was especially nice that her father, Giorgi Jordania, conducted the orchestra. It was a truly amazing performance.

Then after three curtain calls, she sat down at the piano and played a solo encore piece with only her left hand. The music was complex, ranged all over the keyboard, and sounded like it was being played with two hands.

I don’t think I’ve ever been as moved by two pieces as I was by these. If you ever get a chance to hear her play, be sure to go.