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Fancy passing up this magnetic performance of Anthony Ritchie's Southern Journeys to stay home and watch election results!

Natural History NZ's film of the same name, projected on to a screen behind the orchestra, transported us from the Nelson School of Music auditorium to an almost outer-worldly experience through the loveliness of New Zealand's southern places.

Tiny water bubbles became torrents, then the wild open sea. There were underwater shots of dolphins, seals and whales. From deep caves with stalactites we flew up and over soaring snow- covered mountains, the orchestra's inspired playing of Ritchie's composition reflecting the passion, power and vitality of this region with its creatures, including man, tiny in the landscape.

Throughout the four movements an enhanced percussion section was outstanding. Together with Richard Ellena on the timpani, Sam Hough, Ian Barber, Nicky Marshall and Eleanor Clenshaw with drum, cymbal, tambourine, shaker, triangle and even, most effectively, a hammer, brought to life the whoosh of an avalanche, clattering automated machines in a milk factory, large earth-movers handling waste and the hustle and bustle of Dunedin's streets.

It was a journey of delight and the accompanying tenderness and energy of the music a sweet and beautiful experience. Throughout, synchronicity between the music and film was excellent. Please Nelson Symphony Orchestra, you did it so very well - could it be repeated?

If that wasn't enough, John Thomson, using Marie Hall's historic bow, gave a scintillating interpretation of Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending.

Vaughan Williams was a keen observer of nature. As in the introductory piece, his Overture from The Wasps suite, all abuzz and a hum, his lark, fluttering and soaring, higher and higher is the perfect impression, not only of a lark's sound but how one feels hearing and seeing this tiny bird. The audience listened appreciatively to this evocative music for violin and orchestra.

Mick Dowrick conducted the finale in this full programme, Schumann's Symphony No 1 (Spring), with infectious vivacity.

Afterwards my companion said how impressed she was by the full-bodied sound from a relatively modest-sized orchestra. Especially pleasing were the well- executed pizzicato from the violins in Larghetto and the smooth strings. It was a fabulous night.

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