ALISON CROOSE Life is at its richest when it produces pleasant surprises – and Norfolk Symphony Orchestra keeps conjuring up just such treats.

ALISON CROOSE

Life is at its richest when it produces pleasant surprises – and Norfolk Symphony Orchestra keeps conjuring up just such treats.

Not only did it introduce the burgeoning talent of 23-year-old Korean-born violinist Min-Jin Kym, but it also introduced many concert-goers to a lesser-known modern composer at King's Lynn Corn Exchange.

And then, of course, there was the symphony, which is what the orchestra is all about.

Whatever, it tackles conductor James Stobart ensures the players produce a quality performance. The rich melodies of Brahms' Symphony Number 2 enabled the musicians to give full rein to their skills. The result did due justice to the splendid work.

Min-Jin Kym was “discovered” when she became the youngest scholar at the Purcell School and embarked on what is proving a dazzling career.

Her virtuosity shone in the solo passages of Beethoven's Violin Concerto as Stobart guided the orchestra through the intricacies and pastoral characterics of this great work.

It was preceded by the music of a much more modern and lesser-known composer, Hindemith. His Symphonic Metamorphoses provided the happy surprise which opened the programme.

Originally intended as ballet music it proved too elaborate for that purpose. Fortunately it has not been lost and the brass section trumpeted a wake-up call to capture the interest and delight the NSO's large and appreciative band of supporters.