ALISON CROOSE Burnham Thorpe Church

ALISON CROOSE

> Burnham Thorpe Church

This summer's series of Burnham Market concerts came to a sparkling conclusion with an exemplary performance by the musical ambassadors of the European Union.

EUCO demonstrated why they have earned such an enviable worldwide reputation with a fine display of musical cohesion, energy and vivacity in a programme full of variety and interest.

Twenty young musicians drawn from countries right across Europe bond to produce top quality concerts - on this occasion directed by Berlin-born Matthias Wollong (violin).

He gave a mature and passionate performance of Mozart's Fifth Violin Concerto, capitalising on the constant interplay between soloist and orchestra. Wollong displayed exuberant virtuosity while also maintaining intimate dialogue with his fellow musicians.

The concert opened with Peter Warlock's intricate Capriol Suite, a set of vibrant early dance tunes which immediately tested the players' skills and which were handled with assurance and sensitivity to the delight of the packed audience.

In contrasting mode Liszt's religious influence prompted his haunting Angelus before the orchestra gave full rein to an appropriately fervent and spirited performance of Haydn's Symphony No 49, La Passione, ensuring that the 32nd concert series ended with its traditional high standards.