España – BPO – Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, Craig Ogden (guitar), Barry Wordsworth (conductor)

It was heart-warming to see the Dome so full, and this Spanish programme warmed the soul too. Chabrier’s España set the scene: fountains, orange blossom and summer heat – just what we needed. Craig Ogden, guitar god, cast a scintillating spell with Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez. Then came the excitement of Carmen, hot-blooded and vibrant.

The second half was more wistful but still so evocative, with a quick trip to Australia. I really enjoyed Nigel Westlake’s Shadow Dances for Guitar (Thank you, Barry). Still more lively dances followed with the Rimsky-Korsakov that sent us out into the chill air beaming.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 12 February 2012

Rating: