Saturday the 4th of February

saw much of the UK coming to a stand still as a result of the treacherous

weather conditions. Many transport facilities were disrupted, cars abandoned on

busy roads, as highs of around 15cm's of snow fell over the country. Warnings for

extreme ice were issued and many were advised to stay at home unless journeys

were necessary. Even today on Sunday the 5th, drivers are advised to stay at

home if possible with freezing temperatures and icy conditions making travel

difficult.

However, amongst all the chaos and havoc caused by

the severe weather conditions last night, not even that could stop the North

Staffs Symphony Orchestra from holding their first concert of the year, at the

Jubilee Hall, Stoke-on-Trent. Founded in 1904, the Symphony Orchestra performed

'A journey into the Soul of Russian Music' featuring works from two of the most

interesting Russian composers, Tchaikovsky and

Borodin. The concert featured a truly amazing performance from the violin

soloist, 'Leland Chen' who has distinguished himself as 'an exciting presence

in the musical world'.

The programme for the evening included; Borodin's: Symphonic Poem: 'In the Steppes of Central Asia', Tchaikovsky's: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 and finished with the grand finale of

Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony in B Minor, Op. 74, 'Pathétique'. The evening was a truly wonderful event to be part of!