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An evening of songs by Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Quilter, and several Scandinavian composers.

Principals from Royal Northern Sinfonia showcase new music from even further North than Gateshead, with chamber works from Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Estonia.

Under the baton of Christian Kluxen, their young Danish Assistant Conductor, there was a distinctly Scandinavian flavour to the RSNO’s concert on Friday evening. While not sold out, the Usher Hall was reassuringly full, the audience no doubt drawn by the familiar names on the programme as well as undeterred by the novelties.

The programme had been changed. No Montsalvatge, but this gave space for a lovely performance of Grieg's varied and characterful Haugtussa (Maid of the Mountain) cycle. Both performers had clearly worked at it intently, and took us with great authority through its twists and turns. The Larsson songs must be some of the strangest lyrics ever set.