FOR those at the Victoria Hall, Grange-over-Sands, Sunday, November 2, will be a date to remember.

The Lonsdale Chamber Orchestra, directed from the harpsichord by Ian Thompson, served up a wonderful programme, ranging from Bach to the 20th century.

There was even an Elizabethan Interlude with lute songs from international tenor Joseph Cornwell, and two contrasting keyboard solos of music by Gibbons and Giles Farnaby: all performed quite delightfully.

Another visiting celebrity, Arnside born flute-player Janet Larsson, rounded off the evening in a blaze of glory with the Badinerie from Bach’s B Minor Flute Suite – a glittering encored performance, jazzy swoops and all!

Lonsdale Music’s secret is to combine the cream of the region’s musical talent with soloists of repute.

The distinguished violinist David Ogden led the orchestra, and joined with flute and harpsichord in an enjoyable performance of Bach’s little-known Triple concerto.

If there was a touch of caution here, this was music-making of real authenticity, and Bach’s genius shone through. Not one of those breakneck efforts that leaves the music behind. Peter Warlock’s much-loved Capriol Suite was a joy throughout – beautifully played at well-judged tempi. Programme-wise, a perfect blend of old and new.

After the interval came a rare chance to hear Gerald Finzi’s celebrated Cantata, Dies Natalis. Traherne’s sensitive poems evoke the wonder of childhood impressions. Good though Joseph Cornwell’s diction was, it would have been nice to have the text. But this was a fine and moving performance. The orchestral accompaniment was exemplary.

The orchestra also excelled in Bach’s Flute Suite, with Janet Larsson’s playing an inspiration. The overture was rhythmically and transparently played.

Nothing is quite perfect. Concerts of this quality need audiences of 200-plus to sustain them. At this concert – for whatever reason – there was less than half of that number.

Andrew Seivewright