HALL One of the Sage Gateshead was given its first full baptism with a glorious account of Haydn's oratorio, The Creation, from the Northern Sinfonia and Chorus.

It was an appropriate choice of score. The performance not only showcased the acoustic excellence of the hall in all its grandeur, but reaffirmed what everybody already knew, that the region's premier orchestra ranks as truly world class.

There was a hushed sense of occasion as the first muted strings introduced the work, which unfolded with perfect phrasing under the deft baton of musical director Thomas Zehetmair. The strings were lush, the woodwinds rich, and double basses warmly resonated throughout, enfolding the listener in sound. And when the Chorus unleashed the line "Let there be Light" it was like a wave breaking, shaking the audience to the core; perhaps more so than when first it was first heard in 1798. Bass Michael George conveyed the full gravitas of his part, while tenor Thomas Walker's voice soared. Soprano Geraldine McGreevy, who stepped in at short notice to replace an indisposed Rosemary Joshua, rose to the occasion with aplomb. Singing as a trio they ascended to heavenly heights.

The balance between the choir and orchestra was perfect throughout, with the work driven to an astonishing crescendo. It brought the audience to their feet. The Sinfonia's move into its new home has been likened to putting on a pair of new shoes. To take the analogy further it is a snug fit.

A fitting way to mark an historic occasion.

* The programme will be repeated at 7.30pm tonight.

Box office: 0870 703 4555.

Published: 23/12/2004