CELEBRATING 21 years since its official foundation with a series of special concerts, Ripon’s ambitious and successful community orchestra began with a rare complete performance of J S Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos.

I’ve not heard all six concertos performed in a single concert before and this provided a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the varied combinations of instruments and the size of the ensembles which ranged from two different septets (nos. 5 and 6) to a small orchestra of 28 (No. 1).

The seating had been rearranged so that the audience was closer to the orchestra, although this didn’t entirely overcome the problem of the cathedral’s acoustics which even seven rows from the front occasion left the harpsichord virtually inaudible for most of the time.

Apart from that, I particularly enjoyed the darker sound of the two violas, three cellos and double bass at the start of Concerto No. 6 and the joyful opening movement of No. 4 with brilliant lyrical violin and the woody sound of two recorders over a cushion of strings.

No. 3 too began joyfully with the music swirling constantly as strings played either together or set against each other.

In the smaller ensemble for No. 5, one could at last appreciate the harpsichord playing in the extensive and significant solo and all three soloists – flute, viola and harpsichord were very touching in the affettuoso.

No. 2 with its high trumpet part (clarino) was kept till last illustrating again Bach’s ability to present beautifully flowing music, contrasting movements and interesting combinations.

The orchestra’s next concert on Saturday, April 16, will feature music by Beethoven and Brahms. Details at st-cecila.org.uk or call 01765 677413.

Peter Bevan