ALISON CROOSE King's Lynn Corn Exchange

ALISON CROOSE

King's Lynn Corn Exchange

A 22-year-old violinist from Brussels was the latest rising star to make a guest appearance with the well-respected NSO - and she delighted a large audience with a bravura performance of Mendelssohn's violin concerto.

Jolente De Maeyer was impressive with her confident playing of a work which is an essential part of a soloist's repertoire and a favourite among concert goers.

The concerto provides a stern test of the musician's skills. Jolente gave an excellent display of technical virtuosity in handling the beautiful and familiar melodies, while conductor James Stobart ensured the right balance from the orchestra.

The concert opened with the passionate and exhilarating Rosenkavalier Suite by Strauss, and concluded with a challenge for the audience - music by Shostakovich.

He is not everyone's favourite but his ninth symphony provided at least one surprise. Perversely Shostakovich did not imitate other composers with a ninth symphony of great depth, but wrote a short and light-hearted work.

It proved very accessible, and the NSO capitalised on all its interesting features - not least the plaintiff bassoon solos.

The choice was a good one - even if its ending took the audience by surprise!