Ripon International Festival, London Mozart Players & Daniel Bates, Royal Hall, Harrogate

THE Royal Hall was the magnificent venue for the final concert in the 2016 Ripon International Festival – if you have never been, you are missing an enormous visual treat.

The Grade 2 listed building was built at the end of the 19th century and opened in 1903 in the style of the European Kursaal, or Cure Hall – usually in fashionable spa locations.

Its original name was changed to the more patriotic Royal Hall in the 20th century, in the less amicable times leading up to the First World War.

The hall is sumptuously decorated with gilded scroll work, illustrated friezes, crimson velvet curtains, carpets and matching seats. It is a delight.

The opening work was Mendelssohn’s Symphony No 4 "Italian" with its initial sweep of joyful melody effectively drawing us into the glories of Italy which he experienced.

There are so many musical images – blue skies, religious processions, gypsy dances - we are straight away transported to sunny climes by such colourful music.

Mozart’s Oboe Concerto in C minor K314 performed by Daniel Bates was a sheer delight. Bates’ playing had a very beautiful sweet, smooth tone, producing spine-tingling, gorgeously rich runs and arpeggios.

The first movement has a happy, lighthearted feel, and the passages throughout where the oboe was entirely alone were impeccably timed and performed. Bates has a relaxed confident style, yet plays with feeling and expression. His performance was applauded to the gilded rafters.

The familiar opening sequence of Beethoven’s Symphony No.7 in A major Op 92 drew us immediately into a world of dramatic, tuneful, profoundly emotional music with which few composers can compare.

Janusz Piotrovicz conducted Beethoven’s work with an intensity and passion worthy of the great man himself. Altogether it was an evening of great music inspirationally conducted by Piotrovicz and superbly performed by Daniel Bates and the London Mozart Players, bringing a glorious finale to the festival.

Irene MacDonald