BENJAMIN BRITTEN’S cello symphony was written for eminent Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and tests the mettle of the best.

Royal Northern Sinfonia’s principal cellist Louisa Tuck rose to its every technical challenge as she made it her own in a ravishing performance.

Playing under the baton of Paul Watkins, her assured introduction led into wrenching harmonies that proved an equal match to the double basses, tuba and contrabassoon.

Among the highlights were the Presto Inquieto – fast and unsettled – in which Tuck played an illusory game of hide-and-seek with the other instruments.

She threw herself into the cadenza with elaborate flourishes that never faltered.

The final movement was brought to an exultant climax.

Tuck had her work cut out as she returned to the ranks to join in with Schubert’s marathon Symphony No 9.

Watkins crafted a magnificent account of The Great, maintaining a keen momentum. The strings under Bradley Creswick were ravishing, the brass rich and the woodwinds finely-honed, while the cellos under Tuck added a warm resonance.

A highlight was oboist Steven Hudson’s playing in the Andante con moto. Watkins developed the allegro vivace to a brilliant intensity.