I couldn’t review Orchestra North East’s concert myself, as I help with their publicity, but you can read Gavin Engelbrecht’s glowing review for the Northern Echo here.

From a personal point of view, I enjoyed the concert a great deal, particularly Sibelius’s seventh symphony. I wasn’t listening with my reviewing ears, I just sat back, and soaked up this wonderfully atmospheric and calming piece. Tchaikovsky’s first piano concerto was a great blaze of glory, and my son was suitably inspired by Gulsin Onay’s wizardry.

The orchestra’s next concert is in Durham Cathedral on 14 June – Britten Sea Interludes and Berlioz Symphony Fantastique. Should be fun.