ON A freezing night in January another capacity audience at Teesside Music Society’s programme of winter events was welcomed by Frank Harrison.

TMS concerts have steadily captured attendance by engaging artistes of high professional reputation and this occasion was truly sensational, presenting the hugely talented and internationally known trio of musicians Jamie Walton (cello), Megan Cassidy (viola) and Hugo Ticciati (violin).

They opened with Bach’s Goldberg Variations, and from the very first note, the beauty of the music and sheer virtuosity of the musicians held the audience rapt.

It is said the Variations were commissioned by Count Kayserlingk, Russian envoy to the Elector of Saxony. At that time, Goldberg was a young 14-year-old harpsichord student, studying with Bach under the patronage of the count and living in his household.

It was fascinating to observe the different styles of performance adopted by the trio. Ticciati, with his personal, highly expressive technique, seemed almost to woo his instrument, swooping, rocking and sometimes smiling to himself as he played.

Megan Cassidy is also strongly engaged with her viola, coaxing and demanding by turns, while Walton’s style is calm, assured and totally focused. They make a truly great trio.

Ravel’s Duo for Violin and Cello followed, a magnificent showcase for these instruments played by Walton and Ticiatti. The opening impact of the allegro is almost physical. Indeed, the whole piece seems to have a primitive quality of urgency, perfectly conveyed in an amazing and unforgettable performance.

In the final piece, Mozart’s Divertimento in E flat major K56, the trio again achieved a beautiful balance, at the same time allowing each player to demonstrate his or her artistry, with lovely scoring for the viola coming through in the andante and in the following Menuetto (Allegretto). The final Allegro was perfect Mozart, as light-some and joyful as a fine spring day.

Once again I marvel at our good fortune in having music of this quality on our doorstep.

Irene MacDonald