Were any proof needed to show that music is alive in the next generation, this concert allayed any fears.

Musicians drawn from The Chase, Hanley Castle, Kings School, Malvern Girls' College and Malvern College were under the baton of the youthful Damian Penfold, who has an extensive reputation in much of Europe, already.

March of the Mogul Emperors by Elgar, got the evening off to a rousing start, imperialism emphasised by the presence of a fanfare of brass and clashing cymbals.

Mark Spybey was the assured soloist in the first Allegro of Mozart's Piano Concerto in D minor K466. Nimble fingerwork, sensitive phrasing and closely timed split octaves, which led to an extended cadenza, contributed to an excellent performance.

In Horn Concerto Op.11 by Richard Strauss, Adrian Uren was the superior soloist. His confident opening call was indicative of what was to follow. He produced a wonderfully smooth tone and finely shaded it, in phrases of great beauty. The breath control used in the long melodic lines of the Andante, and the super final flourishes exchanged with the orchestra, showed Adrian to be a mature musician, in an outstandingly accomplished interpretation.

In both concertos, soloists and orchestra cooperated well together.

The orchestra was heard at it's best in Sibelius's Symphony No.2.The splendid brass section playing in harmony, enriched the Allegretto, prior to strings singing with the woodwind. In the Tempo andante shimmering strings, with brass and timps, then the full orchestra, properly blended and balanced, arrived at its close with a stirring crescendo. The Allegro moderato brought the symphony to it's climax in glorious melody of enriching sound.

The performers had tackled the programme with alacrity, and plaudits were deserved, not least by their secure leader Alan Uren.

Of course there were some imperfections, but these aspiring young players offer much hope for the future. The concert was sponsored by Malvern Rotary Club. Jill Hopkins