Arts Diary: Music: Manchester Camerata, Chester Cathedral.

Byline: GLYN MON HUGHES

ANY visit by the Manchester Camerata to these parts is, sadly, something of a rarity so, if a date is advertised, then it's a virtual must for the diary.

It was good, therefore, to see that they took part in the increasingly successful series of classical concerts at Chester Cathedral, for which the mainstay is the BBC Philharmonic.

What on paper looked like a fairly ordinary concert turned into a thrilling recital, spurred on, no doubt, by the energy and verve of conductor Douglas Boyd.

The opening work, Beethoven's First Symphony, opened in a rather dull, clinical way but improved as it went along. The introduction was solid but the movement developed into a lively and fast interpretation.

The Andante felt a little rushed at times while the final two movements were, again, bright and lively.

Soloist Tracey Redfern acquit ted herself well in Haydn's E flat major Trumpet Concerto. Again, this was a poised and well-rounded performance.

The opening of Beethoven's Overture: Coriolan sounded a little untidy but developed into a performance which was as subtle as it was dramatic.

The final work - Haydn's last symphony: No 104, the London symphony - sparkled. The first movement provided a subtle combination of piano and forte passages.

Most memorable was the highly vivacious minuet and the spirited finale.

This was a welcome visit by a gifted ensemble. Let's hope they return to Chester soon.