Royal Northern Sinfonia, Kendal Leisure Centre

Musical compositions will, to varying degrees, always be illuminated by electricity generated by performance levels. Very occasionally, performance levels spotlight with an intense brilliance the inherent genius of the works. The phenomenal Royal Northern Sinfonia, recent guests of the Lakeland Sinfonia, with performances of Schnittke’s Sonata for Violin and Chamber Orchestra, (Mozart’s 5th Violin Concerto and Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, achieved just that).

The concert was directed to an extraordinary extent by Julian Rachlin, the evening’s solo violinist and conductor. Hunched dramatically over his score, he inspired a thrilling reading of Schnittke’s colourful Sonata, a work unknown to most, but vividly brought to life by the combined virtuosity of all participants. Mozart’s Concerto saw him, freed from his score, deliver refinement of interpretation, poetic beauty of tone, spacious phrasing, high levels of virtuosity and a perfect relationship with his partners.

Beethoven’s Symphony revealed Rachlin’s conducting artistry. Sheer animal energy, vibrantly physical body language, total involvement with every orchestral section, superb musicianship – all were transmitted with convincing authority to his players who responded in thrilling fashion.

It was, indeed, an electrifying, stimulating experience.

Brian Paynes