THE Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra began its season with the unusual situation of the appointment of both a new conductor (Benjamin Ellin) and a new leader (Peter Simons), who enjoyed a warm welcome from the audience and orchestra.

Sibelius’s ‘Finlandia’ received the benefits of Ellin’s clear and well directed shaping.

The opening chords, an echo of Finland’s Russian control, were answered in the low strings with warmly-toned melancholy.

Although held chords occasionally needed more direction, there were beautiful moments, for example, as the famous hymn melody was handed from the woodwind to the strings.

The world premiere of Owen Bourne’s ‘Slaithwaite Chaconne’ was intended as a bridge between the two undoubted masterpieces of the first half; however, I felt that it should have enjoyed a more appropriate platform.

The distinguished cellist Alexander Baillie played Elgar’s Cello Concerto with intense expression and feeling, delivering the beauty of tone and array of character demanded of this piece.

Although Ellin didn’t always pick up the gifts that the maestro gave, and despite tuning difficulties, the orchestra accompanied fairly well.

Mr Baillie gave a fine performance of the prelude from Bach’s Cello Suite No 1 as his encore.

Nielsen’s Symphony No 4 was an adventurous choice for the SPO.

The piece requires an extraordinary palate of colour, mood, texture and dynamics and this performance provided hints of a promising partnership with Simons and Ellin.

There were many notable moments; however, I applaud the timpanists for their playing in the fourth movement.

Nielsen gave them a special moment which they seized, enjoyed and delivered with excellent results.