NORTHERN Sinfonia, under the baton of musical director Thomas Zehetmair, won the hearts of a proms audience at London's Royal Albert Hall. In a first for the venue, Zehetmair began with two movements of a violin solo by Hartmann. The biting anger of the opening passage contrasting with a mellifluous slow movement allowed Zehetmair to fully express his virtuoso skills. He was then joined by Viktoria Mullova to present Bartok's duos for two violins. The first three pieces lasted less than minute each, but were crafted into gems, followed by series of sprightly folk dances. With razor-sharp repartee, they variously emulated Scottish bagpipes and evoked the strains of the Arabian desert. Zehetmair was then joined by the sinfonia for a pulsating rendition of Vivaldi's Concerto in B minor for four violins and cello. A highlight was Grieg's Holberg Suite. A familiar warhorse it may be, but Zehetmair lifted the musical stakes a notch higher, laying out its rich texture with loving care. The string work, under the leadership of lead violin Bradley Creswick, was superb. The performance was rounded off with Britten's Simple Symphony. The occasion was the perfect backdrop to Zehetmair's announcement that he will be extending his contract and winning partnership with region's world-class musicians for a further three years.

Gavin Engelbrecht

Jamie Cullum, Durham County Cricket Club

BELTING out his cover version of Singing in the Rain could not have been more apt for jazz musician Jamie Cullum. Performing under murky grey skies and in sleeting rain, the music star did not let the dour North-East weather dampen his enthusiasm. As fans huddled under umbrellas and held on to their rain macs, Cullum warmed the audience by encouraging them to clap their hands and sway along to hits from his million-selling album Twentysomething.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lumley Castle, the pint-sized pianist performed songs such as What a Difference A Day Makes, Everlasting Love, These Are the Days and I Get A Kick Out of You. Cullum, whose new album Catching Tales is released in September, put on an enthusiastic two-hour performance.

He kept the fans' spirits alive by bouncing around the stage and being rather hyperactive throughout the show. But it was what the crowd needed to take their minds of their soggy clothes as they huddled on the cricket club's playing field. The musician, who is playing other open air concerts this summer, sounded amazing and did not miss a note in any of his songs. But undoubtedly the highlight of the evening was his rendition of Singing In the Rain... and the setting could not have been more fitting.

Liz Lamb

Published: 02/08/2005