When around 50 gifted musicians get together to play complex classical works, it helps to have a dedicated conductor with a passion for music.

This orchestra certainly has that in Robert Jacoby who has been the group’s musical director for more than 20 years.

A wonderfully varied musical evening opened with a Mendelssohn overture and continued with violinist Marian Givens and flautist Abigail Smith, whose solo performances in works by Chausson and Chaminade were brought to life with expertise and sensitivity.

Both young women took command of their instruments with consummate ease, particularly noticeable with the long unaccompanied solo by Marian Givens in the piece by Chausson.

The main work of the evening, Brahms Symphony No 1, was the crowning glory with its triumphant melodies and emotional depth, beautifully constructed and played with a professional expertise that any orchestra would be proud to own.

The orchestra reconvenes on March 12 with a Music for Youth concert featuring the actor Martin Clunes.

Reprinted by permission of the Dorset Echo.