All-round specialist displays her fantastic ability at Glamis

The ambiance of the Glamis Castle Musicale is one of relaxed elegance, fine music intertwined with fine dining. It’s a set up that gives the guests a chance to sample performances from both the established and the up-an-coming and one that always leads to a convivial, amiable experience.

This year’s trio of artists were the best, collectively, as I’ve seen for many a year with mezzo-soprano, oboe and horn proving to be a winning combination. Mezzo Svetlina Stoyanova was undoubtedly the star of the show, and lesser mortals would have struggled to emerge from her shadow. But Catherine Earnshaw (oboe) and young horn player Sandy Adamson made sure she wasn’t the only name on one’s lips at the concert’s conclusion.

I thought Catherine was a wee bit shaky at the start but as her confidence grew so did her standard. In fact, anyone who can play the Mozart oboe quartet to such a competent degree gets my vote any day.

Young Sandy must have nerves of steel as it was a good two-and-a-half hours before he got his chance. He appeared calmness personified and delivered a clear and confident round tone, in his all-too-short “spot”.

It’s difficult to describe Ms Stoyanova except to say she’s an all-round specialist in any musical genre – sultry, passionate, humorous and coquettish all at the drop of a hat. Anything from Mozart to Mahler, easy peasy. There’s power, too, and an ability to communicate with her audience.

Last but not least comes accompanist Nancy Crook whose competence should not be underestimated. Faced with some challenging music, it was delivered with skill and aplomb reminding everyone, if necessary, that behind any successful soloist lies an indispensable accompanist.