ALISON CROOSE NSO began its new season with a double treat – a display of virtuosity from a young British violinist and a symphony which is a tour de force in the classical repertoire.

ALISON CROOSE

NSO began its new season with a double treat – a display of virtuosity from a young British violinist and a symphony which is a tour de force in the classical repertoire.

It was the third time this year the talent of Nicola Loud had been enjoyed at Lynn. Having stood in at short notice for the NSO last spring, she appeared at Lynn Festival and, at the Corn Exchange yesterday, returned to complete a hat-trick of successes.

Nicola was BBC Young Musican of the Year when she was 15 and now at 26 her musical skills ensure she is much in demand on the world stage.

Tchaikovsky's well-loved violin concerto was the vehicle with which she demonstrated her talents, especially in demanding solo passages.

Conductor James Stobart achieved excellent balance so the orchestra complemented her performance.

NSO had its own mountain to climb in tackling Mahler's monumental first symphony, and Stobart had to summon all the orchestra's resources. Together they succeeded in expressing all the intensity and emotion of the music.