Vacation Chamber Orchestra, St Wilfrid's Church, Harrogate

HAVE you heard of Vacation Chamber Orchestra (VaCo)? If not, you are in for a great surprise when you discover this amazing group of young performers. Founded in 1994 by Xenophon Kelsey, perhaps better know as conductor of Ripon St Cecilia Orchestra, VaCo has been delighting audiences in North Yorkshire and abroad. VaCo attracts the best young students from schools, universities and colleges, giving them the opportunity to study and play together under the expert guidance of Xen and eminent guest tutors.

Over the course of eight days, the young players have achieved an unbelievably high standard. The recent concert in St Wilfrid's Church, Harrogate, was the last of five consecutive performances in North Yorkshire. Rossini's Overture The Italian Girl in Algiers, bounced along full of joy and confidence, giving the large audience a taste of the delights to come.

The highlight of the evening was surely, Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, with soloist Oliver Baily. A recently graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Oliver is about to embark on a Master's degree. His playing was immaculate; expressive and lyrical with a sweet tone. A beautiful performance, well suited to the surprisingly good acoustics of the somewhat cavernous venue. As to be expected, Oliver is already in demand as a soloist, orchestral and chamber music player. He surely has a rosy professional career awaiting.

VaCo performs at various venues in North Yorkshire, sometimes prior to a foreign tour. The next time will be December 27 to 30. vaco.net for more details

Rosalind Clayton