NORTHERN Sinfonia took its leave of Newcastle City Hall for the last time with a repeat performance of the same programme it played at its inaugural concert there over 46 years ago.

The emotional and historic occasion, which presaged the Sinfonia's move to its new home at the Sage in Gateshead, was made all the more special by the presence of the orchestra's visionary founder, Michael Hall.

The valedictory performance, under the commanding baton of musical director Thomas Zehetmair, was launched with Mozart's Prague Symphony; the Sinfonia taking to its task with unbridled enthusiasm from the opening chords.

The slower passages were exquisitely drawn out, with some sharp exchanges between the strings and woodwinds.

The Sinfonia's principal cellist, Alexander Somov, then got the chance to showcase his skills, performing Schumann's Cello Concerto.

At turns scorching and sublime, Somov's account milked his instrument for all it was worth, with dextrous fingerwork making light of the more complex passages.

The Sinfonia bolstered him with sympathetic support and a keenly articulated interplay of tensions.

Outwardly unassuming and not given to overt flourishes, Somov's emotions were reserved for his playing, which positively radiated. It was pleasure to see him leading from the front and the audience showered him with applause. Somov fixed his star firmly in the firmament with this account.

The programme concluded with a fiery reading of Beethoven's Symphony 2, with Zehetmair keeping a firm hold on the work's witty volume and rhythm. The heady finale drew something rarely seen - a sustained standing ovation.

The City Hall will be poorer for the absence of the sinfonia, but everyone is looking ahead and keenly anticipating the opening of the Sage.

The centre's acoustic excellence promises to be a revelation to audiences and players alike, taking performances to new heights.

Published: 05/06/2004