London Philharmonic Orchestra, Adrian Prabava (conductor), Stefan Ćirić (piano)

A crowd-pleasing programme ensured that there was a fantastic atmosphere in the sold-out Brighton Dome. Stefan Ćirić’s piano playing flowed well in a quiet, considered way but the highlight of Brahms’ piano concerto no. 2 was principal cellist Kristina Blaumane’s beautiful, evocative part in the moving ‘Andante’. Beethoven’s majestic symphony no. 7 was thrilling, played at a breakneck pace with almost no breaks between movements. Conductor Adrian Prabava drew a vigorous performance out of the second violins in the first movement, reminiscent of the peerless Herbert von Karajan recordings. The symphony flew by breathlessly, and the sight of out-of-breath Prabava epitomised his interpretation of the power of the piece and his full-bodied, passionate commitment.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 16 January 2016

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