ALISON CROOSE The NSO's large and loyal band of supporters were captivated by the latest in an impressive line of talented young soloists at King's Lynn CornExchange.

ALISON CROOSE

The NSO's large and loyal band of supporters were captivated by the latest in an impressive line of talented young soloists at King's Lynn CornExchange.

Vietnamese-born Tra Nguyen gave a powerful performance of Rachmaninov's emotionally-charged 3rd Piano Concerto.

She thrilled the sell-out audience with an exhibition of scintillating technique – and her enjoyment of the work was obvious.

Her interpretation of the piece encapsulated its diverse emotional content as she

balanced both strength and subtlety of the music which ranged from the melancholic to the rapturous. Conductor James Stobart ensured the orchestra made its significant contribution.

Despite the energy of the first half of the programme there was no anti-climax when the strains of Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz took over.

The composer's innovative method of expressing his romantic notions made for an exciting experience with the movements set out as the episodes of an instrumental drama.

Dramatic it certainly was, with each section of the orchestra – especially the brass, woodwind and percussion – given distinctive roles to play.

Their achievements were rewarded with an ovation which could also be described as fantastic.