THE Sage Gateshead's celebration of the centenary of the birth of composer Michael Tippett was the largest in UK; and a resounding success at that.

The penultimate concert in a series exploring his work proved a high water mark, with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Colin Davis.

The evening started with a breezy rendition of Tippett's Birthday Suite for Prince Charles. The piece, heralding new beginnings and a summery optimism was followed by The Rose Lake. Tippett was inspired to compose the enchanting work by the effect of the sun on a lake in Africa's Senegal, where at midday the sun transforms its whitish green waters to translucent pink.

The work opened with exuberant display of gymnastics by the percussionists, who had to dash from drum to drum to keep up with the score. The composition comprises a patchwork of rhythms and harmonies, which Davis adroitly drew together into a seamless mosaic with dazzling effect. The fact it was Davis and the self-same orchestra that premiered the piece in 1975 gave it an added resonance.

The evening was driven home with a powerful performance of Beethoven's Symphony No 5. The hush built up at the end of the third movement evoked an excruciating sense of expectancy, which was fully consummated as Davis swept into the last movement without a break. Swinging one arm around in circles, as though turning a giant wheel, he cranked the energy to a fever pitch with the final hammer blows reaching an earth-shattering climax. It was greeted with thunderous applause and hearty roars of approval.

Published: 15/03/2005