The ESO's new season, with William Boughton conducting, opened in excellent form with Mendelssohn's overture A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op21.

Well-tuned woodwind led rapid dancing strings to an exciting and dramatic interpretation.

Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, Op54 gave us the opportunity to hear the talented young Welsh pianist Llyr Williams in a confident and poetic performance.

In the 'Allegro affetuoso' Llyr set off assuredly and soon established an expressive ebb and flow between orchestra and soloist. His cadenza interlude displayed fine technical attributes.

Echoes and responses of piano and orchestra during the 'Intermezzo' were achieved with elegance, tempi and dynamic details ideal. The cellos' lush theme drew on a partnership with the pianist, who lingered on the melodic line perfectly, while horns added further intensity. Then a robust change, and the pianist was at once extrovert as he prefaced the rhythmic vibrancy of the full orchestra.

Symphony No 6 in E flat major was composed when Mendelssohn was 13 years old. For strings only, it was a charming, light-hearted piece.

Finally, Schumann's Symphony No 1 in B flat major, Op38 was introduced by a brilliant brass fanfare, a foretaste of the strength this section was to give later. The 'Larghetto' was sumptuous in its breadth and depth of sound, and wonderful melody emanated, first from cellos and double basses, then from the oboe and bassoons. The 'Scherzo' danced along with more solo woodwind intervening, as well as very agile cellos and double basses.

The final 'Allegro', was a glorious full-blooded affair.

ESO's next not-to-be-missed concert is tonight (Friday), at 7.30pm.

Jill Hopkins