As its annual new year fundraising event, the Friends of the ESO presented The Maestros' Choice, when a fine selection of music for strings and harpsichord was proffered.

It began with Mozart (in the 250th anniversary year of the composer) in an extremely sensitive, crisp and clean delivery of his Divertimento in F, K138.

Several of the ESO's regular performers were heard as outstanding soloists. Peter Adams, with his glorious toned cello, conversed agilely with the ensemble through the first movement of Vivaldi's Cello Concerto No.4 in A minor, and in the andante, his playing with the two other low strings was beautiful.

Concerto for Oboe & Violin in D minor by Bach was a chance to hear Paul Arden-Taylor (oboe) and Michael Bochmann (violin).

Paul, with splendidly controlled breath, led the way in the adagio, followed closely in canon by Michael, prior to superb contrasts in the closing allegro.

These baroque works were perfect for the dozen or so high-calibre instrumentalists.

Then on to more modern pieces. Holst's St Paul's Suite was a lively affair, as was Grainger's Molly on the Shore with much plucking and pizzicato. Rumanian Dances by Bartok were accented emphatically and melodies were haunting.

A brilliant encore of perpetual motion, Fiddle Faddle concluded a thoroughly enjoyable concert.

JILL HOPKINS