MUSICAL prodigies have long been a source of wonder; from Mozart and Mendelssohn, to Kissin and Kennedy.

The latest generation of the world’s best appeared at an entrancing concert at The Sage Gateshead.

The stars of the night warmed up with the first movements of their chosen works, starting with ten-yearold pianist Zhang Xiaoming, whose talent was discovered while at kindergarten.

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 2 is no walkover, even for seasoned performers, but, barely visible behind the keyboard and feet just reaching the pedals, Xiaoming gave a spirited performance.

No stranger to the spotlight, 13-year-old American Michael Province exuded confidence as he gave a keenly articulated delivery of Mendelsson’s fiery Violin Concerto. Simone Porter, 12, took on Haydn’s Violin Conerto in C major, while Nathan Chan, 15, played Dvorak’s Cello Concerto. This was not playing by rote. It was expressive and mature.

Alexander Prior, who conducted the Northern Sinfonia, then presented his latest piece, Velesslavitsa.

Some heard hints of Bernstein, others smatterings of Janacek, or strains of Bartok. It was not a piece to be pinned down, but it had a cogent structure and direction.Veering between the exuberant and reflective, it built to a dramatic conclusion. The audience sprang to their feet as one.