TAUNTON Sinfonietta presented its ‘Flutes and Strings’ concert in a variety of styles from the 17th to the 21st Centuries.

Locatelli’s Concerto Grosso displayed the ‘concertino’ quartet balanced against the ‘ripieno’ full orchestra.

The brisk Allegro soon became warmly melodic in the Largo; subsequent sections were guided clearly by leader Mary Eade, supported by keyboard and cello continuo.

Soloists Judith Hall, right, and Jonty Hedges joined the ensemble to give a delightful account of Vivaldi’s double flute concerto, demonstrating the composer’s innovative skill in orchestration as well as the soloists’ ability to use the sympathetic acoustics of St James’ Church.

This was carried into Gluck’s well-known Dance of the Blessed Spirits, played with charm.

West Country composer Clive Jenkins introduced his Sinfonietta for Strings, a welcome airing for this interesting modern work.

The opening movement, with sweeping melodic lines, was shaped with great resonance, while the second was a gift to the cellists, perhaps encouraged by the late afternoon sunshine coming through St James’ stained glass windows.

Rustic Dance was light-heartedly supported by bass pizzicato, which in turn eased into the 5/4 finale. The rich harmonies showed the ensemble in great form.

Carl Nielsen’s Little Suite for Strings came to a grand climax with subtle hints of earlier themes.

Bach’s 4th Brandenburg concerto brought a balanced programme to an end. In true concerto grosso form the soloists (two flutes, one violin) contrasted with the orchestra.

The contrapuntal style was alert, the sparkling finale drawing sustained applause from the appreciative audience.

MARY TREWIN