London Symphony Orchestra, Leif Ove Andsnes (piano, director), Claus Peter Flor (conductor)

Originally billed conductor Daniel Harding was sadly ill, but thankfully there were two highly capable replacements in store on the opening night of the Festival. Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 20 was led by Leif Ove Andsnes himself at the piano, and the piece was surprisingly cohesive and sharp. Andsnes’ performance lent a Romantic edge to a fairly dry classical piece and a jovial, triumphant performance was summed in some fiery final bars.

If the Mozart was an appetiser then Bruckner’s Symphony No 3 was a rich, brassy feast. Claus Peter Flor’s ferocious, almost frantic conducting was a pure, fun experience: particularly when he conjured up all-encompassing vibrato playing using his fists. Idiosyncratically and joyously conducted, the breathless performance at a rollicking pace was a wild success.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 7 May 2016

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