Saturday’s concert by the Academy of St Thomas began with the Overture to Sibelius Karelia. Less familiar than the three pieces the composer extracted to form the Suite Opus 11,though containing some material from that work, it was interesting to hear, and conductor Christopher Adey created the right Nordic  atmosphere.

In this, Britten’s centenary year,his music is inevitably the focus of countless tributes. The Academy’s contribution was a performance of the Violin Concerto, with the distinguished violinist Lorraine McAslan as soloist.She produced exactly the right sound for the haunting beauty of the hushed opening theme, and beautifully controlled playing for the fiendishly, difficult passages in the highest part of the violin’s register. Here she was ably supported by Adey’s superb accompanying,maintaining excellent balance even in the quietest passages.Indeed the orchestra’  performance of this complex score  was equally fine, the opening percussion motif and the begining of the final passacaglia quite outstanding .McAslan’s account of the closing pages of this movement were especially beautiful, setting the seal on a performance of great distinction.

After  the interval,an electrifying Beethoven 7th Symphony,Adey’s tempi beautifully judged, the orchestra on tremendous form, the whole having a wonderful air of spontaneity. An uplifting experience.

Frank Cliff