European Union Chamber Orchestra

ALISON CROOSE

European Union Chamber Orchestra

Burnham Thorpe Church

The musical ambassadors for the European Union demonstrated just why they have earned a worldwide reputation when they brought this summer's Burnham Market Concerts to a dazzling conclusion.

A wide-ranging programme full of interest gave Euco the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise which delighted the large audience.

Especially impressive was the leadership of Matthias Wollong (violin) who directed the concert with dramatic intensity and energy.

Mozart's Divertimento in F major, written around the time of his16th birthday, showed an interesting stage in the composer's development, with glimpses of the great things to follow.

This year's centenary of Grieg's death was marked by an enthralling performance of the great Norwegian composer's Holberg Suite. The orchestra gave full vent to the romance of the French dances encompassed in the work.

Carl Nielsen, described as the Danish equivalent of Grieg, was represented by a soulful lament he composed for the funeral of a young Danish artist.

Schubert's string quartet, Death and the Maiden, was “retouched” for string orchestra by Mahler. In the intimacy of the church the virtuosity required for this challenging piece, and the orchestra's skill and vibrancy, could be fully appreciated.