London Philharmonic Orchestra, Daniele Rustioni (conductor), Leonard Elschenbroich (cello)

Dvořák’s popular cello concerto was a perfect way to open a special night from the LPO. Elschenbroich’s dazzling, mellifluous cello work was both moving and invigorating, and he was joined by bright horns and clarinets leading melodically to a stunning finale. Rossini’s instantly recognisable ‘William Tell Overture’ was a bombastic crowd-pleaser, reminding one that over-familiarity with a piece of music should not affect its intrinsic artistic merit. Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony No 4 was performed delicately with the composer’s typical swirls of strings sounding hypnotically beautiful, and the whole evening was charismatically conducted by brilliant new star Daniele Rustioni.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 9 November 2013

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