The first concert in this festival of Mozart's music was devoted to compositions dating from his teenage years, scores bubbling over with enchanting melody.

Michael Bochmann, concertmaster, directing as he performed, was also the excellent soloist in two violin concertos.

The ESO's personnel comprised an ensemble of string players, with horns and oboes added when required.

Violin concertos No 1 in B flat, K207 and No 2 in D, K211 were a delight. Michael Bochmann produced sparkling and agile interpretations in the outer movements of both, but it was the middle, slower movements, which were most compelling. The ravishing, sustained solo melody of the first's Adagio, a caressing cadenza, and sensitive imitation between the soloist and ensemble was beautifully accomplished.

Bochmann's delivery of the quietly reflective solo in the Andante of the second, combined with expressive strings, was memorable, too.

Concerto in B flat major for bassoon and orchestra, K191, with Keith Rubach the skilful soloist, was a rare pleasure. The bassoonist's trills and grovelling low notes, the unexpected agility and jokey cadenza of the Allegro, then the tender, melodious Andante ma Adagio, the instrumentalists' reiterating and exchanging Rubach's sonorous phrases, and he incorporating a total range cadenza, then ultimately a superb Rondo: Tempo alla Menuetto, with the extrovert soloist embracing carefully considered rubatos, all combined to make this a most gratifying performance.

Divertimento in D major, K136 for strings only and Symphony No 14 in A, K114 exemplified some refined playing, to complete the programme.

Preceding each concert in this series is a short talk and performance of a section of the ESO's commissioned suite of Jilalahs by Stephen Roberts. No 1 for flute and viola, was performed by Judith Hall and Helen Roberts.

The Mozartfest continues on Saturday, May 18, when Eine kleine Nachtmusik, and Symphony No 15, K124 will be included.

Mr Bochmann also features as the soloist for the Third Violin Concerto. Tickets range from £6 to £22 from 01684 892277.

Further concerts are scheduled for May 24 and 31.

Jill Hopkins