Westmorland Youth Orchestra, Ambleside Parish Church

THE Westmorland Youth Orchestra served up a sumptuous assortment of treats in its autumn concert, in a classy performance of French, Russian and American delights.

More than 200 people packed Ambleside Parish Church to hear conductor Roland Fudge showcase the breadth and depth of his talented team.

"This programme is like a box of chocolates," he said. "It's made up of different pieces, but they all go together nicely."

Nowadays the WYO's strength includes two tubas, a harp, a saxophone, four violas and no fewer than 21 violins.

The lower instruments got to shine in Saint-Saens' Elephant, brass and percussion in Bizet's Farandole. The tricky cross-rhythms of Chabrier's Espana put the whole 57-strong orchestra to the test, while Barber's Adagio brought out their delicate side.

Leader Matthew Farren set the tone with a brave and polished movement from Barber's Violin Concerto and Shostakovich's waltz brought some saxophone solos from Flo Jones.

A boisterous selection from Stravinsky's Firebird Suite rounded off a performance which showed the youth orchestra in fine form despite the departure of its most senior cohort in the summer.

The audience were played to their seats by Welcome Music from the Hawkshead Wind Band for the concert, which was hosted by Ambleside and Kirkstone Rotary Club.

OLIVER WATES