THE monkey generally is seen as something of a scamp – a bit mischievous but nonetheless smart – intelligent even – but always pretty cute.

We think of the monkey as a bright, happy, energetic soul.

In China, 2016 is the year of the monkey and this Chinese New Year Concert by the Chinese Music Orchestra was just as we see the zodiacal symbol. Put simply, this concert was bright, happy and energetic from beginning to end. What a pity Llewellyn Hall wasn’t brimming with people to enjoy it!

The orchestra, laid out like a western symphony orchestra, was made up mainly of traditional instruments, such as the Erhu (2-string violin), the Pipa (lute), a range of flutes, reeds and brass, and various Shengs (a bit like a hand-held pipe organ!), but also featured some familiar western instruments including the cello and double bass, tympani and other percussion instruments. A hammered-dulcimer provided a more-or-less continuo role.

Each piece was relatively brief, but largely symphonic in form and drawing on China’s many traditions stretching back thousands of years.

There were soloists, too. The most charming and delightful of these featured the Zheng (zither) in which the soloist was masterful in creating many moods throughout the piece, from quiet, gentle and reflective to loud, boisterous and frenetic.

A piece which really showed solo virtuosity featured two musicians playing different kinds of Erhus. Their performance was spell-binding.

Heralding the second half of the program was a spectacular, highly energetic duo performance on traditional drums, followed by an ensemble playing a most entertaining and very humorous, almost vaudevillian piece on traditional instruments. Being there was the only way to appreciate the comedy!

All throughout, the orchestra’s conductor, Madame Hong Xia, kept tight but very expressive command without any unnecessary exuberance or flamboyance. Hers was understated elegance – an obviously much-respected leader.

It was a pleasure to enjoy a concert of consummate musicianship, showmanship and fun. It was a pleasure to enjoy such happy music. What a way to start a new year! And even Vienna, famous for its new year concerts, got a mention with a performance of the Tritsch Tratsch Polka, of Strauss, as the second of the three encores. A standing ovation was the reward for a thoroughly enjoyable concert.