Pike's panache marks her out as a star

TCHAIKOVSKY said that his 1812 Overture would be very noisy, and he wasn't wrong, even without any canons going off, which now, of course, would fall foul of health and safety regulations!

In fact, some of the most effective parts of Plymouth Symphony Orchestra's performance were the quieter sections, and especially the opening, where the richness in the viola and cello section was most noticeable. Even if the closing bars were taken at such a terrific pace that a few players were left behind in the rush, it certainly succeeded in getting the evening off to a flying start.

Sibelius's dark-hued, and formidably difficult Violin Concerto could scarcely have provided greater contrast, and here the sublime playing of young soloist, Jennifer Pike, was, without doubt, the best string playing heard in the city for some considerable time. Her wonderfully rich tone was powerful enough to soar over the orchestra who had the dynamic balance more or less right, except for the occasional over-exuberant wind solo. Listeners could even be forgiven for the spontaneous clapping after each movement, such was the sheer artistry and panache of Jennifer's stunning performance.

Conductor, Anne Kimber, followed this with a robust performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony which, despite some rhythmic untidiness earlier on, really came to life in the finale, and fully deserved the generous applause from the large audience present.