SOPHIE Rosa (violin) and Nicholas Oliver (piano) provided a terrific ending to the Middlewich and District Concerts Society's 25th season.

The packed audience was ample evidence of the level of anticipation these players engender and they were not disappointed.

The concert began with sonatas by Mozart (K305) and Beethoven (Opus 24, Spring).

These are quite lively pieces and were played with confidence and vigour, leaving the audience spell-bound.

The first half concluded with arrangements by Heifetz of two pieces from Porgy and Bess, Bess, you is my woman now and It ain’t necessarily so.

The lazy strains were a relaxing complement to the earlier works and left the audience ready to enjoy the half-time refreshments, which included wine and nibbles to celebrate the event.

The second half began with a sonata by Brahms (Opus 78) written as a response to his godson’s premature death.

It was almost unbelievably tender and moving. The programme finished with Wieniawski’s Polonaise in D, a show piece for violin.

It wasn’t the end as they were treated to an encore, an exquisitely beautiful and haunting rendition of Summertime also from Porgy and Bess.

It was a terrific evening of music-making.

The next season begins on Saturday, September 19 with a concert given by Intriplicate (flute, oboe and piano).

For further details at madcs.org.uk or call Roger Evans on 01606 834471.