ALISON CROOSE King's Lynn Corn Exchange

ALISON CROOSE

King's Lynn Corn Exchange

Beethoven's Third Symphony, Eroica, was the big attraction, and this splendid orchestra did not disappoint under the baton of internationally-recognised conductor Richard Hickox, who has been CLS music director for 36 years.

Eroica was the sweetener in a programme which included a brand-new work by prolific composer Robin Holloway.

His Fourth Idyll was given its second performance following last week's premiere. Much of the piece was light and lyrical, but occasional shrill bursts of brass and woodwind assaulted the ears.

The concert opened with Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin, a charming suite using dance forms as a patriotic tribute to dead colleagues.

The highlight of the evening was Beethoven's heroic third symphony, with its powerful and tragic funeral march and rhythmic dynamism.

The familiar opening melody heralded a stirring performance of a titanic work, underlining the value of the CLS residency - including its community work.