THE Friends of the Bowes Museum Music Group welcomed the Keld Ensemble, a classical string orchestra from East London, earlier this month.

Founded by violinists Jonathan Acton and Kate Waterworth, they chose the name as it comes from an Old Norse word meaning spring, well or fountain, aiming to perform pieces not often heard and to produce a big sound.

Both of these were achieved under the competent baton of Boris Peck.

Grieg’s Holberg Suite strengthened the Norse connection and set the tone before Elgar’s Serenade For Strings. The conductor skillfully controlled the tension in the lyrical, soaring passages of the first movement; the larghetto was beautiful.

Gordon Jacob’s Bassoon Concerto was an unexpected delight. Jenni Cooper, guest bassoonist, was in full command of her instrument, especially in the technically difficult allegro.

The blend of strings and bassoon seductively evoked the essence of the Middle East. The rondo became an extraordinary competition between the bassoon and strings. In the middle section, the solo bassoon parts teased and charmed the listeners and the furious ending was magnificent.

Then came From the Western Isles, by Erik Chisholm, former Dean of Music at Cape Town University.

Opposed to apartheid, he had been a conscientious objector during the Second World War and was influenced by time spent in India. His style is harsh, abrasive and difficult, and he is often called Scotland’s Forgotten Composer because of his use of folk songs and dance rhythms.

Nicknamed MacBartok, in possible reference to his relentless use of aggressive rhythms, dissonance and discords, these were evident in A Lament to the Harp Tree.

The final piece, Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings, is a huge work. The rich, cultural sound of his Czech heritage was clearly demonstrated in the moderato. In the scherzo, Peck gave the strings the opportunity to run with the melody and the crescendos swept the audience to glorious heights.

The ensemble accompanies Giulio Tampolino, the celebrated classical guitarist, who returns to the Bowes to give a concert on Saturday, June 16.

CLD