A rare opportunity to hear the complete Brandenburg Concertos showed off the many talents of the Welsh National Opera orchestra on Friday (July 28).

Fresh from the large scale performances of Tchaikovsky’s first piano concerto and Sibelius Symphony No.2 at St David’s Cathedral, this was a chance to enjoy a completely different side to the players.

The Fishguard Music Festival concert at Rhosygilwen was an intimate and friendly occasion with a chance to eat or picnic in the interval. But the slimmed down forces required for the works were no less engaging.

Leader and violinist David Adams gave some fascinating insights into the back-story of J S Bach’s late Baroque compositions – in some ways the foundation stone of much of the great symphonic and concerto writing that was to follow.

And there was ample opportunity for virtuosity – from the harpsichord gymnastics in No. 5 to the sophisticated trumpet artistry of No. 2.

Fittingly for a festival that encourages young music makers so much, both through giving them opportunities to peform and keeping their ticket prices low, it is the National Youth Orchestra of Wales who will bring the programme to a close.

On Friday (August 4), under the baton of Carlo Rizzi at St Davids Cathedral they will perform ‘Till Eulenspiegel’ by Strauss; Britten’s Four Sea Interludes and La Mer by Debussy.

Find out more at fishguardmusicfestival.co.uk