The London Mozart Players were the first chamber orchestra to be founded in the UK and are regarded as one of the country’s finest ensembles. Their appearance at Ipswich School was a brilliant first night for the second Festival of Music.

They began the concert with From Holberg’s Time, by Grieg. A lively prelude was followed by a Sarabande, a Baroque dance. It finished with a wonderful Rigaudon.

This was followed by Peter Warlock’s Capriol Suite. Warlock was an eccentric character and the music certainly reflected this, particularly in the Tordion movement which consists of faint plucking of the strings until it almost fades out.

Mozart’s Divertimento in D major was probably the most well-known music of the concert and the Players certainly did it justice.

St Paul’s Suite is one of Holst’s lesser known compositions.

For me, the performers really brought it to life; all four movements were in perfect balance.

They brought the evening to a close with Britten’s Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge which, although dark and sinister at parts, was a compelling piece to listen to and provided a very climatic ending.

The leader of the ensemble commented on the acoustics of the venue, saying they were brilliant and that it was a joy to play at the school.

As an audience it was wonderful to be so close to such world class musicians. The concert was the perfect start to the festival, and we hope there is more brilliance to come.

SOPHIE HOGAN