By Peter Cobrin

A solo violin floats one of the most beautiful melodies of the 20th century into the vaulted heights of the Holy Trinity Church in Folkestone and a spell is cast by a young magician.

Thirty or so minutes later everyone is saying: “We must get her back”.

That was the impact of young Korean-born violinist Joo Yeon Sir’s performance of Prokoviev’s 1935 Violin Concerto with the Folkestone Symphony Orchestra under conductor Rupert Bond and leader Floriane Peycelon.

Joo had already been identified in 2017 as a “star of the future” by the Guardian following the release of her debut CD, and she unquestionably lived up to this.

The audience that filled the church was won over by the power and passion of her playing in a piece that challenges every violinist, but also poses great challenges for any orchestra.

It’s a tribute to the dedication of this mixed group that spans ages from 18 to, well, discretion must prevail, from across south east Kent, that they responded so well to her example and Rupert Bond’s animated conducting.

Prokoviev is never easy but always rewards with his melodic genius and rhythmic complexity.

This was highlighted in the central slow movement where Joo spun webs of soulful melody around the orchestral accompaniment.

The contrast with the last movement which highlighted Prokoviev’s other side was highly characterful and reminded us that he was perhaps the 20th century’s greatest ballet composer as well.

With an eye for upcoming talent and the dedication of its collection of music teachers, amateur performers and a sprinkling of semi-professionals, the orchestra has been very much part of the local music landscape since 1961.

Their handful of concerts each year makes no concessions to the non-professional character of the orchestra, and the musicians push themselves to the limit, and beyond, to deliver performances full of energy and vitality.

This was demonstrated in Beethoven’s most rhythmic and dynamic symphony, the Seventh where the odd imperfection was swept aside in the headlong rush to the triumphant conclusion.

Very few towns can boast their own orchestra, and of those that can, Folkestone is almost certainly the smallest, and yet has every right to claim to be a town full of music.

From the internationally-acclaimed annual Sacconi Chamber Music Festival in May, now in its 13th year, through to the Bayle Music series at St Eanswythe’s Church, there is music to be found most weekends.

The newest addition to the local scene is Folkestone Early Music founded by viola da gamba star, Asako Morikawa.

Tonight, the Custom House sees the world-renowned Dame Emma Kirkby, both in conversation with BBC Radio 3’s Donald Macleod and performing songs by Purcell, accompanied by Asako.

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