A rare and wondrous display of talent left last night's audience without any doubt that James Ehnes is a rising star on the international music scene.

An astonishing technique, allied with an interpretive maturity far beyond his years, sits lightly on this 17-year old violinist from Canada. Looking more like a young corporate executive than a musician, he launched into a programme that would tax the stamina of far more experienced performers.

Beginning lessons at the age of five, Ehnes was only twelve when he became the youngest person to ever win in the Canadian National Music Festival. He was a pupil of celebrated Canadian violinist Francis Chaplin who, tragically, died in a fire just before Christmas. Chaplin, who performed in Bermuda in a 1947 concert, had planned to attend the Bermuda Festival appearance of his former pupil.

Ehnes opened with the Polonaise in A Major by the Polish composer Henri Wieniawski. Echoing the distinctive rhythms of Polish national folk dances, Ehnes immediately revealed his immaculate and stylish bowing technique.

It was in the famous Kreutzer Sonata, No. 9 in A Major for Violin and Piano, however, that it became clear that this was a talent which goes far beyond mere technique. Supported by the inspired accompaniment of his fellow Canadian pianist, teacher and coach, Donald Henry, his opening solo adagio chords were a quietly lyrical introduction to the well-loved and virtuosic melodies that were to unfold. Student (if we can use such a word) and master established an exciting and sympathetic rapport as the two instruments explored the alternating themes of lyricism and brilliant variations.

Ravel's Tzigane is a wonderfully atmospheric piece which conjures up the traditional gypsy music of central Europe. The hint of Moorish influence heightens the sense of the exotic. Requiring, one would imagine, nerves of steel to cope with the technical demands of a work which defeats all but the finest artists, Ehnes launched into the long solo cadenza with a superb sense of assurance which never faltered. As the piano introduced a faster tempo, they sustained the intricate dance-like rhythms through to the thrilling conclusion where Ehnes played right and left hand pizzicato at the same time.

The second half of the programme opened with a contrasting modern work, the suite of Nameless Dances by Canadian composer, Alfred Fisher. Dedicated to James Ehnes, this work again amply demonstrated the young musician's extraordinary command of the bow and his faultless phrasing.

The last work was Richard Strauss's Violin Sonata in E Flat Major, a marvelously rich work in three movements. Donald Henry again confirmed his virtuosic technical prowess in a long solo passage that he is a highly accomplished pianist in his own right.

Besides the ever-eloquent tone of the sweeping melodic themes, Ehnes also gave a perfect display of ricochet bowing.

As if all this excitement was not enough, they performed the Dance of the Goblins by Antonio Bazzini for an encore. In a dazzling display of every technical trick in the book, impeccably performed at lightning speed, Ehnes suggests that he may well be Canada's most exciting musical export for years.

Another coup for the Festival organisers who have brought us an artist who seems destined for a brilliant career.

PATRICIA CALNAN TEENAGE PRODIGY PLAYS AT FESTIVAL -- James Ehnes, the 17-year old violinist from Canada who is causing a stir in internatinal music circles, opened a two-night engagement at City Hall last night.