Bringing another successful year to a satisfying conclusion, the Manawatu Sinfonia chose to highlight the music of Mozart and Beethoven for its weekend concert.

It was conducted by Sinfonia stalwart, percussionist Tim Jones, who has already conducted several lively family concerts in recent years. However, here he turned to a more serious programme that obviously appealed both to the large audience and to the Sinfonia itself.

Adopting an air of informality, Jones introduced the programme with some lively and informative asides, opening with a little known Beethoven Overture to King Stephen, which provided a cheerful opening. This was followed by the first of two symphonies Mozart's No. 40 in G minor.

Here the orchestra provided an expressive performance responding well to the dramatic demands of the work and, although some sections were a little too fast to achieve the intensity required, this was an energetic performance that won much favour with the audience.

The second half featured Gluck’s Overture to lphigenia in Aulis and Beethoven's Symphony No. 8. Here again the orchestra responded well to Jones' vigorous interpretation of the music ensuring a very satisfying afternoon's entertainment for all concerned.

Stephen Fisher - Manawatu Standard, 19 November, 2007.