Oxford Philomusica’s teaming of works by Mahler and Mendelssohn with a modern piece by St Anne’s undergraduate Eldon Fayers seemed at first to defy explanation or logic. But what binds these three together is their youthfulness; Fayers, clearly, needs no further explanation, but the other two were captured here in their formative years, in pieces that spoke volumes about their burgeoning genius and of the fact that greatness lay just around the corner. Mendelssohn was but 16 when he penned his delightful Octet in E flat, while the seeds for Mahler’s first symphony were sown when the composer was 24.

Eldon Fayers’s Shackles, for string quartet, had its genesis almost exactly two years ago, and has since been performed at number of contemporary music events up and down the country. Its agitated opening, involving some frantic bowing from the players, gradually opens up into a battle of ideas with some increasingly layered texturing, resulting in a piece that bristles with tension and nervous energy. An interesting but disconcerting piece, well executed by the four soloists.

In contrast, Mendelssohn’s Octet was a much more joyful affair, unfailingly delighting with its gloriously lush sounds and textures. The players drew out its varying moods and tempi with clarity and eloquence, to create a performance that positively glowed with radiance and charm.

It was Mahler’s colossal ‘Titan’ symphony, though, that really stirred. With Marios Papadopoulos at the helm, this was as energetic and triumphant interpretation as you could hope to find, with some wonderful opportunities for the wind section, who seized upon their moments with obvious relish. Once again the players responded to the shifting in moods and rhythms, vividly conjuring up images of rustic, woodland scenes, with an unsettled atmosphere gradually resolving into a jubilant finale – a fitting end to an evening devoted to the exuberance of youth.

Oxford Philomusica’s season continues on Sunday with a family concert, Bugs!! For details, visit www.oxfordphil.com