THE NORTHERN Chords Festival has established itself as a firm fixture on the region’s musical calendar, with Whickham-born founder Jonathan Bloxham introducing audiences to performers from all over the world.

Now in its seventh year, the festival has been themed this time on tales embracing works from across the centuries.

Baroque Tales, presented in the intimate surrounds of the Durham Cathedral’s beautiful Chapter House, featured a Baroque ensemble led by the animated Greek violinist Jonian Ilias Kadesha.

The programme opened with a buoyant account of Handel’s Concerto Grosso Op 6 no 7 in B. Each phrase of opening Largo was given space to breathe, while the violins dashed into the Allegro with a light airiness, underlaid by warm playing from the lower strings. The final Hornpipe, replete with unexpected syncopations, was brilliantly executed.

Purcell’s Chacony was leisurely paced but never static and had a glistening clarity.

Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Cellos was fronted by Bloxham and Vashti Hunter, who both gave a thrilling rendition of the opening movement, with lively backing from the ensemble.

The slow movement was real treat, with the cellos’ singing lines warmly entwined and sensitively backed by Tom Primrose on harpsichord. The frenetic finale brimmed with energy.

The ensemble then returned to Handel’s Concerto Grosso, playing his inventive No 12 in B minor. The busy Allegro had an electrifying rhythmic drive, while melody of the middle movement had any easy grace. Kadesha had a full measure of the foot-tapping Allegro.

The evening concluded JS Bach’s great showpiece – the Concerto for Two Violins. A virtuosic Kadesha was well matched by Ricky Gore. An exhilarating evening

Gavin Engelbrecht

The festival continues with concerts at Sage Gatehead at 8pm tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday. Box office: 0191-443 4661.