The Northern Sinfonia’s latest chamber recital at The Sage Gateshead gave players in the wind section the chance to indulge in some of the richest music written for their instruments.

The varied programme took its title from Gounod’s Petite Symphony; a work which saw the first addition of the flute to the standard wind octet.

The concert rarity was written in the composer’s 70s, yet has a youthful charm. It was conveyed with grace from its joyful opening movement, with intuitive exchanges throughout.

Janacek wrote Mladi - “Youth” - in his twighlight years, reflecting on his life as a childhood choirboy at the Augustinian monastery in Brno.

The suite for six instruments features colourful contrasts and harmonic surprises, which were delivered with wit and flair.

A highlight was the Allegro, when flutist Juliette Bausor picked up her piccolo and gave a thrillingly rendition of the March of the Blue Boys.

The plummy tones of Jessica Lee’s bass clarinet gave a resonant depth to the account, which was driven to a scintillating climax.

Ibert’s Trois Pieces Breves featured exquisite playing by oboist Stephen Hudson, while Bausor and clarinettist James Burke shone in their expressive duet in the Andante.

The evening concluded with a romping rendition of Enescu’s opulently-scored Dectet. The sense of camaraderie between the players was infectious.

Here’s looking forward in anticipation to the programming of more of the same.