Review: Violinist Tamsin Little for Beaconsfield Concerts

This, the opening concert of Beaconsfield Concert's 2009−10 season, was an exceptional event by any standards, not least because Tasmin brought with her two priceless violins - her own Guadagnini of 1757 and the 'Regent' Stradivarius of 1708 - to discuss and demonstrate their very different qualities.

Performing solo on a 'catwalk' platform, Tasmin created an immediate sense of connection with the audience and encouraged them, between the pieces, to ask questions. She responded to the resulting barrage with bewitching wit, humour and insight.

The concert began with a work by Paul Patterson, often used as a test piece in violin competitions because it exploits the instrument's full range with drama, excitement and humour. Two high points of solo violin writing followed - Bach's Sonata No. 1 and three movements from his Partita No. 3. It is difficult to make these apparently austere works succeed, but Tasmin's sure playing allowed their beauty and cohesion to shine forth.

The second half of the programme included Melodie, from Bartok's Sonata of 1944, a homage to Bach dedicated to Tasmin's one time teacher Yehudi Menuhin; and the Sonata No 3 by Ysaye. The evening was brought to a beguiling conclusion with an arrangement of Oh Danny Boy as an encore.

One of Tasmin's passions, and a key part of her award-winning Naked Violin programme, is to bring live classical music to those who have either no interest or no opportunity to hear it. Earlier that day, she brought the same magical mix of music and conversation to a workshop for more than 50 patients, relatives and staff at the National Society for Epilepsy Centre at Chalfont St Peter. Her warmth, clarity and expressive playing held the residents entranced, and it was a very moving experience for all who attended.

Beaconsfield Music's next concert is on 28 November, when the London Bridge Ensemble with Andrew Staples, tenor, will be performing music by Brahms and Bridge plus Vaughan Williams's On Wenlock Edge.