ST PAUL's Church, Yelverton, was packed to capacity for the world premier of Roger Bolton's composition 'New Dawn — Dartmoor Sunrise', at last week's concert by the Ten Tors Concert Orchestra, conductor Simon Ible.

This compelling piece was commissioned by the orchestra, and, to quote the programme notes, 'unfurls like a story a day in the life of the moor'. It was received with resounding applause.

The programme also included Peter Warlock's Capriol suite, a medley from West Side Story, Figaro's aria 'Largo al Factotem' from the Barber of Seville and Mozart's symphony no 41 — the Capriol suite and the medley both arranged by Roger Bolton.

The orchestra played with their accustomed precision and panache and Simon Tunkin, over from Germany to sing the Bernstein and the Rossini, was an inspired choice. His rich baritone made the familiar melodies particularly enjoyable, although occasionally even his powerful voice was almost swamped by the orchestra's enthusiastic 'ff' passages.

The Ten Tors Concert Orchestra, a relatively young institution, is certainly living up to its early promise. 'New Dawn — Dartmoor Sunrise' will be performed again at Totnes on July 15. Catch it then if you missed it at Yelverton, or take the opportunity to get to know it better.

JACQUI FOGWILL