THE five Festival Artists opened the finale to this third York Chamber Music Festival with a sparkling performance of Beethoven’s exuberant C major Piano Quartet. The ensemble’s good-humoured engagement and stylish execution were a joy to watch.

Bootham’s director of music Paul Feehan took over as pianist from the infectiously animated Andrew Brownell, joining Bartosz Woroch (violin) and festival director Tim Lowe (cello) in Grieg’s unabashedly romantic Andante Con Moto. The players wrung every ounce of expressive potential from its indulgent melodies. Feehan’s composure did not preclude him ramping up the intensity still further as the piano forcibly took hold of Grieg’s melancholic theme.

After the interval, Schubert’s tranquil Notturno in E flat might have been a mere palate-cleanser. Instead, the performers imbued it with energy, warmth and life.

Brownell returned with Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola) for Schumann’s E flat Piano Quartet. Its enjoyably extravagant melodies provided a rollercoaster ride. Bradley brought flair to the fugal fireworks of the last movement despite visibly suffering from a cold. Having saved the best for last, the ensemble revelled in climbing the dizzying heights of Schumann’s explosive conclusion.

Still in its infancy, the Festival depends on sponsorship; making events like this a regular occurrence is no mean undertaking. Saturday’s performance confirmed that this project deserves our support and the festival our attention.

Review by Claire McGinn