City of London Sinfonia

ALISON CROOSE

Enterprising programming has been the hallmark of the CLS residency which has enriched the musical life of West Norfolk during the winter months for the past five years.

The orchestra launched its sixth season with another exciting programme full of style and verve which delighted a large audience.

On this occasion major works by Beethoven and Mendelssohn sat comfortably together while a more modern work whetted the musical tastebuds — Faure's Suite, Masques et Bergamasques, written in 1918 as an escapist post-war entertainment.

In its inimitable style, the orchestra, under the expert direction of founder Richard Hickox, presented a delightful interpretation of the work.

Then the audience welcomed pianist Paul Lewis who displayed the talents which have made him such a sought-after artist. Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 5 — The Emperor — was an appropriate vehicle with which he could display his virtuosity.

Soloist and orchestra complemented each other and demonstrated why the work is so aptly named with its imposing power and grandeur.

A different, but equally engaging atmosphere was created by the orchestra in their performance OF Mendelssohn's Symphony No 3 – The Scottish – which creates such graphic pictures. The CLS did not disappoint — it was a thoroughly stirring evening.