London Philharmonic Orchestra, Garrick Ohlsson (piano), Marin Alsop (conductor)

The brass and percussion opened this concert splendidly with Copland’s ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ and Joan Tower’s ‘Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman’. Copland’s ‘Piano Concerto’ and Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, both in their different ways challenging, lyrical, tender and jazzy, were delivered with compelling style and playfulness by the magisterial Ohlsson, the whole orchestra clearly relishing both scores’ considerable demands. The audience were delighted.

Dvorak’s 9th Symphony ‘From the New World’ got the audience humming and singing, fortunately only after the performance, which was beautifully shaped by Alsop. I love being reminded just what a glorious work it is!

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 23 February 2013

Rating: