THOMAS ZEHETMAIR’S final appearance as musical director of the Royal Northern Sinfonia (RNS) at Sage Gateshead was always going to be a special occasion.

Any tinge of sadness at his departure was dispelled by an exuberance the maestro has always brought to his appearances, both on the podium and as performer, over the past 12 years.

The concert opened with a spirited account of Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni, with Zehetmair teasing out delicious detail.

His wife, Ruth Killius, gave a commanding performance of Bartok’s Viola Concerto, taking her instrument to the limits of its capabilities.

Permutations of the opening themes were elucidated in rich tones, while long singing lines in the slow movement were wonderfully sustained.

The RNS was intuitively responsive to her every inflexion in the swirling final movement.

Zehetmair then took up his violin to join Killius and RNS in the world premiere of John Casken’s That Subtle Knot. The specially-commissioned piece drew its inspiration from an image in John Donne’s poem the Ecstasy, depicting two lovers on the banks of a river with their hands entwined by a double string.

Killius opened with a tender solo and was joined by Zehetmair in an intimate dialogue, with the duo embraced by the sympathetic accompaniment of the RNS. A final animated exchange led to an ethereal musical fusion.

As an added treat, the couple performed a playful pizzicato duet by Bartok.

The concert concluded with a dazzling rendition of Beethoven’s Fifth.

Zehetmair injected the old warhorse with electrifying vigour, shaping a muscular account that cast every sinew in sharp relief.

The violins were incisive, the woodwinds radiant, the brass burnished and the cellos, double basses and violas had an earthy resonance.

The last movement was driving to a blistering climax, with the audience leaping to their feet as one, cheering and showering Zehetmair with prolonged applause.

The words Thank You and Danke projected on the wall summed up a collective appreciation for many magical musical memories. It was a fitting end to an era.

Zehetmair’s legacy will endure and his association with the RNS will continue as he takes up the post of Conductor Laureate.