The Minister of State for Culture, Selima Rahman graced the occasion as chief guest while the Ambassador of the Royal Netherlands Embassy, Kees Beemsterboer was the special guest.

Supported by Queen Sofia of Spain, EUCO was formed in 1981 with players from the member states of the European Union. The orchestra lays an emphasis on giving unique opportunities and experience to young musicians at the outset of their professional careers as well as work as an acknowledged Cultural Ambassador for the European Union.

Opening with Bach's Brandenburg Concerto no. 3 in G major, the orchestra gave a fine performance, with clear lines and well-studied dynamics. The ensemble was magnificent with great beauty of tone and especially the appealing sound effects in the highest register.

Combining wonderful dexterity and accuracy in fast pace, with the excellent support from the orchestra, Mozart's Violin Concerto no.2 in D major K.211 overcame the rather excessively reverberant acoustics with real aplomb, in a brilliant performance.

After a 15-minute recess, Mozart's Adagio K.411 in F major drew the very finest sounds from the splendid instruments, and always with a considered use of dynamics and great tonal variety. Clarity of finger-works were abundantly evident.

The next one was Haydn's Symphony no.59 in A major Fire-- wholly captured the classical elegance of the composition.

In a recital of such immense quality it might have been difficult to achieve an effective conclusion. However, a short presentation by another great composer George Phillip Telemann fitted the bill to absolute perfection with a performance of the very highest order which left a lasting impression--a fitting end to a memorable concert.