MENDELSSOHN'S brooding Hebrides Overture is an impression of his boat trip from Mull to Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa. The Airedale Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Anderson, skilfully realised the graphic description of a storm tossed sea with foaming waves surging into the dark, mysterious cave. Tension building crescendos helped to convey the elemental wildness. Fine individual contributions such as the beautifully shaped clarinet solo created moments of calm.

Yorkshire's climate is fortunately less susceptible to the tempestuous conditions that Mendelssohn might have encountered in the outer Hebrides. Paul Wilkinson's composition, Airedale Seasons, is restless rather than turbulent. The descriptive writing effectively creates a spectrum of muted orchestral colours in its depiction of the changing landscape and skies.

From here on, the sunshine prevailed. Hummel's Introduction and Variations for Oboe and Orchestra are predominantly lighthearted. The ASO's elegant playing was perfectly complemented by principal oboe Chris Garbutt's lightness of touch in the virtuosic solo passages.

John Anderson and his Orchestra undoubtedly caught the sun in Brahms' Symphony No 2 in D major. The opening movement's horns and woodwind had a tangible warmth. A richness of string tone characterised the song-like Adagio, and cheerfulness permeated the third movement. The spirited Finale radiated energy and exuberance in abundance.

The Airedale Symphony Orchestra's next concert is at the King's Hall, Ilkley, on Sunday, March 25 at 7.30pm.

by Geoffrey Mogridge