The New Orford were joined by Edmonton’s Garneau String Quartet for Mendelssohn’s String Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20. Admittedly this is very much a young man’s work (he wrote it when he was 16) – albeit a staggeringly precocious young man – and pours over with joy. But it was as if the whole hall had been lit up, such was the energy and enthusiasm and passion – and physicality – of this really gripping performance. Indeed, so passionate was the ending of the first movement that one suspected the performers had difficulty coming down for the opening of the second, which could have perhaps been a touch sweeter.

What was so effective is that this performance sounded like a small concerted orchestra in complete rapport, rather than a combination of two string quartets – more so than in the last, more mellow, performance in Edmonton, by the Vaughan and Vertex String Quartets in 2023 – fulfilling Mendelssohn’s requirement that it should be played in “symphonic orchestral style.” The gallop of the scherzo third movement was especially gripping, indeed releasing that spirit of delight, and bringing out the hints of Weber at the end.

What wonderful music making, by both quartets, and what a way to end a concert!