Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, Vasko Vassilev (violin) Barry Wordsworth (conductor)

This early Christmas treat was a delicious bombe surprise. The sweet casing, great works so attractive to children, Humperdinck’s ‘Prelude to Hänsel und Gretel’ and Act II of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker’, enclosed a spicy centre, Tchaikovsky’s Violin concerto.

Vassilev was simply wonderful. Impassioned and romantic, the first movement brought prolonged spontaneous applause from an audience that usually ‘knows better’. We needed that brief break from the tension. The Canzonetta was ravishing and the Allegro vivacissimo, with some waspish stabbing at notes, was wondrously fast and exciting. Vassilev’s final flourish set off a tremendous ovation, led with gusto by Maestro Wordsworth himself!

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 8 December 2013

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