MOZART’S Flute Concerto in D, composed in a week, was a perfect choice to open the Royal Northern Sinfonia’s second Summer Chamber Series concert.

The bright and breezy work exuded a sense of joy, with flautist Juliet Bausor making light work of its intricate runs and engaging in razor-sharp repartee with violinist Jenny Chang, violist Malcolm Critten and cellist James Craig. Bausor’s wistful song above plucked strings in the slow movement was wonderfully crafted, and they dashed through the exuberant rondo with elan.

The music of Louis Spohr was in a similar sunny vein.

He was one of the most successful composers of his day, but his work has fallen from favour. One of the exceptions is his Nonet for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello and double bass. Each player drew every ounce of expression out of the evolving four-note motif, which was passed seamlessly among the players.

The piece de resistance was Schubert’s String Quartet No 15 in G major. Violinists Kyra Humphrey and Jonathan Martindale, violist James Slater and cellist Ursula Smith gave a brilliant account that embraced the full emotional range.

Woodwind members took to stage for the third concert, opening with a scintillating Saint-Saens’ Caprice on a Danish Air. Spohr’s Quintet for Piano and Winds featured peerless playing by Bausor, oboist Timothy Orpen, bassoonist Stephen Reay and horn Peter Francomb. Special mention goes to to pianist John Reid, for sterling accompaniment throughout.

  • The last of the Summer Chamber Series, with music by Wolf, Haydn, Martinu and Schubert, will be staged at 8pm on Thursday. Box office: 0191-443-4661.