Norfolk Symphony Orchestra

ALISON CROOSE

A policy of engaging outstanding young soloists continued to prove inspirational with the appearance of violinist Min-Jin Kym.

This child prodigy, who began serious studies at the age of seven, was only 15 when she became the youngest student awarded a foundation scholarship at the Royal College of Music.

At 25, Min-Jin appears with top orchestras around the world. But the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra, which includes vast expertise while nominally retaining amateur status, is never overawed by such burgeoning talent and got on with the job of ensuring its performance was worthy of supporting the soloist.

The musicians responded to Min-Jin's skills with a fine performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto. The work makes great demands on the violinist's technique in many highly complex passages while conductor James Stobart created a successful partnership between soloist and orchestra.

In contrast with the intensity of the concerto were two refreshingly different works. The overture was Tintagel, by London-born Arnold Bax, which painted an atmospheric picture of the Cornish landmark.

The concert ended in great style with Rachmaninov's exhilarating Slavonic Dances with all their exciting melodies and rhythms.

James Stobart ensured the orchestra transmitted all the warmth and feeling of a work which enabled each section to show off its talents.