Manchester Camerata came to Christ Church, Cockermouth, for an orchestral concert which gripped from beginning to end.

This orchestra communicated its love of music to a thrilled audience with its commitment, attack and constant attention to every detail of a wonderful programme.

Pieces ranged from Deborah Pritchard’s commissioned "Seven Halts on the Somme" (featuring the amazing trumpet player, Norwegian Tine Thing Helseth) - a remarkable lament on the tragedy of war - to the well loved beauty of Grieg’s Holberg Suite, which sent us away comforted and inspired.

The financial support which comes to Cockermouth Music Society from the charity Orchestras Live has enabled the performance of many years of orchestral concerts in the town, for which the local music lovers (coming from the west coast to the Pennines) are clearly grateful, as there is always a good turnout for these concerts.

Long may this source of support continue, in an age when classical music gets very little recognition from the powers-that-be compared to its magnificent and intrinsic value for all who listen.

SUSAN ALLISON