THE Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra packs a mighty punch and it did a good job of bowling over an audience at Newcastle City Hall.

A memorable evening, under the baton of Zoltan Kocsis, began with George Benjamin's Sudden Time, which swirled and pulsated with colour.

The renowned pianist Jeno Jando then put in a breathtaking performance of Bartok's Piano Concerto No. 3, which opened with shimmering strings. In the serene second movement, Jando seemed to keep the notes hanging in suspended animation, before he built up an intense exchange with the orchestra. It was driven to conclusion with spirited resolve in a blur of fingerwork. Blood stirring stuff.

Then it was the moment everyone was waiting for - Dvorak's Symphony 9 from the New World. More popularly known as the theme music of a certain bread commercial, it must rank as one of the finest symphonies of all time. The orchestra took the audience to the pinnacle and back in one of the most loving accounts, which drew every ounce out of the rich work. A highlight was the Largo, with haunting passages from the cor anglais and string work which drew notes out to the finest of wisps.

It is a memory that will resonate for a long time with those who were there. There are still tickets left for the orchestra's appearance at Middlesbrough Town Hall at 7.45pm on Sunday. A rare opportunity that simply cannot be missed. Box office (01642) 242561.

Published: 14/11/2003