DARLINGTON Music Society's opening concert of the 2012-13 season marked the first appearance in the town of the long established (1945) leading Russian Borodin String Quartet.

It was also the first concert in the society's new home of the Central Hall of the Dolphin Centre, made possible by a bequest from the late Dora Degenhardt who was the society's secretary from 1967-72.

The all-Russian programme began with Tchaikovsky's early single movement Quartet in B flat to establish the quartet’s not inconsiderable musical qualities and close rapport in a performance that emphasised the work's close associations with the Orthodox Church.

This was contrasted by the same composer's Quartet no.1 in D, op.11, more vigorous and driven in its opening movement, its well-loved andante cantabile smooth, fluid and flowing, the scherzo lively and the finale exuberant.

After the interval, the second half of the evening was given over to Tchaikovsky's contemporary, Alexander Borodin.

First came his popular 2nd String Quartet in D, with its charming, limpid Notturno and the scherzo's big melody, both made known to a wider public by their use in Kismet in the 1950s.

Authoritatively performed, its melodies are as popular today as in its original version. It was fitting that the quartet returned to the platform with another Borodin piece as encore.

His Serenata alla spagnola, less well known, provided a fitting close to an evening of quality.

Next DMS concert is on Saturday, November 10, in the Central Hall, and will be given by the Aquinas Piano Trio replacing the advertised Fournier Trio.

The programme is trios by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Dvorak; details from R Tooze, treasurer, on 01325-467163.

Dave Robson