Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Clark, Kate Shipway (pianos), Alistair Young (organ), Barry Wordsworth (conductor)

The BPO was on top form. The prelude to Aïda and Triumphal March, what a way to celebrate 200 years of Verdi!

Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos was such fun, with two brilliant soloists who have performed this playful and romantic work so often together for the Royal Ballet, and the BPO alert, precise and almost dancing. The excitement brewed in Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony from the very start, building right up to the ‘big tune’ (famous as the theme of the film ‘Babe’). With the great Dome organ it was magnificent! We went out into the January chill well fortified.

Coda: How lovely to see loads of thrilled youngsters (mostly string players, apparently), the audience and players of future decades.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 13 January 2013
Rating:
Andrew Connal