As she chatted at the after-concert reception at Classic on Noble, the 21-year-old dressed in blue jeans could have been one of Classic’s young Jacksonville State University servers. However, she had just knocked the proverbial socks off concertgoers at the Knox Concert Series’ presentation of the Philharmonic of Poland with her amazing violin virtuosity.

Knox chairman Jim Nolen mixed and mingled, introducing violinist Maria Wloszczowska and orchestra conductor Boguslaw Dawidow to patrons and volunteers. Both musicians praised the program choices, which they had enjoyed playing. JSU’s Dr. Jim Roberts, whose wife, Margaret Roberts, is a board member, selected the music especially for the Knox audience.

The concert on Jan. 20 and the reception following were underwritten by the Buster Miles family of Heflin, longtime Knox patrons, by board member Steve Vinyard and wife, Gena, and by Thomas Abernathy of Abernathy and Timberlake.

On Feb. 18, with Valentine’s Day still in the air, another young ensemble thrilled the Knox audience with its performance of “Romeo and Juliet.” The Russian National Ballet Theatre returned for the third time to Knox and did not disappoint.

Several of the young Russians attended the reception following at Anniston County Club, which was hosted by concert underwriters Earlon and Betty McWhorter, Jim Nolen and Fabarc Steel Company.

Although their English was limited, they understood the many “thank you’s” for the superb performance.

Knox’s 65th anniversary season ends April 2 with a performance by country star Vince Gill.

To share your news with Small Talk, contact Annette Maddox at starsmalltalk@yahoo.com.

Save the date

Enjoy a two-hour tribute to the Great White Way at Oxford Civic Center, 7:30 p.m. March 18 as the Oxford Arts Council presents Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway.  Performed by five fabulous stars from hit Broadway musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Chicago , Little Shop of Horrors, Jekyll and Hyde and Man of La Mancha, this is one concert you won’t want to miss. Tickets are $15 at the door, or $10 in advance, available at the Oxford Civic Center, BB&T Banks, Cheaha Banks, Noble Banks or the Quintard Mall Guest Services Desk. Or call 256-832-0000, or visit www.oxfordartscouncil.org.