Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, Melvyn Tan (piano) Barry Wordsworth (conductor)

This reassuringly satisfying programme included Elgar’s evocative ‘In the South (Alassio)’ and Rachmaninov’s monumental 2nd Symphony, richly romantic works of the early 1900s providing leisurely, Sunday-afternoon listening.

However, the crowds had gathered for Melvyn Tan, ever-popular and newly resident in Sussex, as we learned in his endearing pre-concert conversation with Louise Schweitzer.

He clearly revelled in every moment of Ravel’s exhilarating G Major Piano Concerto, premièred in 1932. His energy and sense of fun lifted the orchestra and audience with Ravel’s exuberant rhythms and jazz-imbued harmonies. Tan’s trademark lightness of touch rippled through his encore, Liszt’s ‘Les Cloches de Genève’.

Dome Concert Hall, 3 December 2017

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