The YSO under the stewardship of conductor David Blake has acquired a real sense of integration, purpose and indeed authority.

This was particularly evident in Schumann's 4th Symphony where they delivered an entirely coherent and convincing performance with delicious solo contributions from Christina Young (oboe), Julie Purcell (clarinet) and Rosalind Grice (flute), articulate brass and, most pleasing of all, impressive, solid string playing throughout.

I do find Schumann's orchestration too heavy, suffocating, but who on earth would not "enjoy the wonderful music". The energetic Scherzo and jubilant drive to the finishing line were thrilling. The programme opened with Schubert's Rosamunde overture, another work brimming with melodic invention.

After a slightly flaky start (tuning) the violins acquitted themselves admirably and though the performance lacked a little vitality - I thought the tempo could have been a tad zippier - it was still highly enjoyable.

Takane Funatsu took centre stage in Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto In D. The solo violin writing, particularly in the exhilarating 1st movement, is quite simply ravishing - and technically damned hard to play. Ms Funatsu's performance seemed to breeze through the extensive exposition, dispatching the cadenza with seeming ease and aplomb.

Though this was not the most dynamically imposing of performances - it did not demand engagement - there was an undeniable understated mellow lyricism, particularly in the outer movements. The orchestral playing - again with lovely flute (Felicity Jones), clarinet and oboe contributions - was fine, cushioning the violin solos and shining brightly when invited. David Blake's judgement of balance was impeccable.

Updated: 09:57 Monday, June 28, 2004