TAUNTON Sinfonietta started their concert on Saturday night with Grieg’s Fugue in F minor, where the warm sound of the viola was followed by some ethereal quiet tutti passages, writes Lynda Edwards.

The dynamic range of each section was tested and the orchestra was led well by Mary Eade, and occasionally Chris Sampson on the ‘cello.This was followed by the world premiere of Sarah Wormell’s Concertino for bassoon. It is great to see that the orchestra are upholding the ideas of their founder Hugh Bushell by commissioning and performing new works

This was conducted by Andrew Gillet and opened with lush chords on the strings with a melancholy melody played beautifully by Martin Gatt on the bassoon. There were hints of Latin America in the following section and a general film music feel to the work. It was well received by the Taunton audience and ended with a cheeky diminuendo on the bassoon.

The lyrical lines of the Dvorak Nocturne then filled the church, followed by an early work of Rossini, his sonata No 1 in G major. This was scored for violins, ‘cello and double bass, with the latter featuring in each movement and was performed well by Isabelle Wollcott.

The Taunton audience was treated to two sets of soloists who have obviously played together frequently as we had a surprise item by Handel /Halvosen for Violin and Viola played by Mary Eade and Andrew Gillet where the many techniques and intricacies of the instruments were demonstrated in an engaging and witty performance.

The concert ended with the Strauss Concertino for Clarinet and Bassoon. Again the rapport between Colin Parr and Martin Gatt was evident and helped bring the story behind the music to life.

The next concert is on December 1 at The Temple Methodist Church at 3.00pm, and includes Taunton Young Musician winner, Ella Leonard on oboe.