'Such are the technical stunts required of the soloist that Paganini's violin concertos are played in competitions more often than symphony concerts. It was the skills of a gymnast and the art of a ballerina that Natalie Shaw brought to mind in the outer movements of the First Concerto on Saturday. The most nimble of fingers are vital here, and so is great concentration. The 19-year-old violinist, currently studying in Paris, came unstuck just the once during the opening musical acrobatics. More song-like strains then intervened, allowing the violin to display warmer features. As the corporate partner in this instrumental pas de deux, the orchestra responded to both the warmth and the wit of the soloist. The delicacy with which Derek Williams's players launched their overture (Otto Nicolai's The Merry Wives of Windsor) did not deceive. Neither did the steely drive and tonal richness of their intro to Brahms's First Symphony. Led by Alex Hodgson, the strings laid the foundation for a darkly glowing performance, Robert Parker's horn providing a breath of fresh alpine air. '