IT WAS interesting to see how this chamber orchestra of more than 40 musicians would fit into the space available in Stokesley Methodist Church.

In fact they formed four graceful arcs, utilising the chancel area as well as a two-row area in "the body of the kirk".

There was a lovely buzz of excitement from the capacity audience as the instruments tuned up with trills, long notes and scales, and then the hush, before Mozart’s brilliant Idomeneo Overture, which fully brought out the strengths of the orchestra.

An absolute joy was the performance of Philip Cull in Richard Strauss’s Concerto for Oboe and Small Orchestra, written in 1945 when the composer was over 80. This work has been likened to "a golden Phoenix rising from the ashes of a devastating war".

It certainly is a thing of great beauty and joy, and the orchestra achieved lovely mellow tones supporting the solo oboe in response to Tim Jackson’s precise and expressive conducting style.

The final movement has everything – drama and soaring, high-spirited melody. It was applauded to the rafters – a tour de force.

After the interval when free refreshments were served in the schoolroom, including delicious cakes, we were treated to Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 in A major “Italian”.

Again, this was a strong performance, with all the joy and sunshine associated with the work, full of beautiful melodies exuberantly expressed and hugely pleasurable. Jackson brought out all the light and glitter of the music – a superb performance.

The next performance in Stokesley Methodist Church by Cleveland Chamber Orchestra is on Sunday, May 22, at 3pm. The programme includes Piano Concerto No. 2 by Shostakovich. The venue has a very fine piano on long term loan from Mr Jackson, so this should be a treat not to be missed.

Irene MacDonald