Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Collins (clarinet & conductor)

Something very wonderful happens when conductors step off the podium to play, in this case a beautifully mellow basset clarinet. The two symphonies in this delightful programme, Haydn’s No.102 (London) and Beethoven’s First, were directed with a masterly light touch, in true Classical style. However, when the maestro was himself playing with such sensitivity, the orchestra was even more attentive and responded with great delicacy throughout Mozart’s much-loved Clarinet Concerto.

Collins has always enjoyed an immediate and affectionate bond with his audience, ever since he won the woodwind prize of the first BBC Young Musician of the Year in 1978.

Dome Concert Hall, 28 January 2018

Rating: