Ipswich Orchestral Society: Autumn Concert, Ipswich Corn Exchange, Saturday, November 28 The stately music of the prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, by Wagner, paved the way to an entertaining and satisfying evening of music.

Ipswich Orchestral Society: Autumn Concert, Ipswich Corn Exchange, Saturday, November 28

The stately music of the prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, by Wagner, paved the way to an entertaining and satisfying evening of music.

Carl Maria von Weber's First Clarinet Concerto cannot fail to please, with its charming flowing melodies interspersed with breath taking sections of virtuosity. World famous soloist Michael Collins made light work of the technicalities. With his apparent enjoyment of communicating with a long-loved friend, Collins sauntered through the movements, bringing the concerto to its conclusion with splendid panache. Ipswich Orchestral Society provided a sympathetic partnership.

By this stage of the concert IOS were really playing at their best. The controlled, evocative opening of Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration), Opus 24 by Richard Strauss gave way to the orchestra having full-rein with everyone playing magnificently. The solo phrases, without exception, were admirable.

The light-hearted overture to Rossini's La Cenerentola (Cinderella) rounded off the evening in a heart-warming performance that included more lovely solo passages from the woodwind.

Conductor, Adam Gatehouse, is the man responsible for the orchestra's high standard. His enthusiasm encourages the players to tackle ever-more demanding works. Adam also likes to convey his joy of music to the audience. I tried very hard to ignore his analogy of comparing the programme to a fine banquet - not because I didn't enjoy the music - but simply because I didn't agree with his choice of menu that included German sausage and Jugged Hare.

Judith Newman