Among those who arrived were the two German composers, Johann Christian Bach and Carl Friederich Abel, both enriching London's musical scene in the concert hall and opera stage, though history has given them scant recognition for their work.

There is presently something of a revival of interest in both, though performances are still in short supply, that iniquity made all the more transparent by an outstanding concert largely devoted to their music.

It was given by one of today's leading chamber orchestras that is perfect in every department, and here directed from the leader's chair by the renowned Baroque violinist Rachel Podger, her enthusiasm for the programme at times becoming just a little
too obvious.

With such attractive and thematically charming pieces, Bach's Symphony in G minor and the Sextet in C major had passed in a trice while you were still thirsting for more.

As a last minute replacement, the young York University trained soprano, Rachel Nicholls, who is now enjoying a big international stage career, sang arias by Bach and Abel, her big and generous voice almost overpowering the venue.

Though written before Haydn's residencies in London, a big and often highly charged reading of his La Passione Symphony made a thrilling end to a evening in the presence of such superb musicians.


Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, York