Classical spectacle that's a joy to watch

WHAT a treat - world-class classical music on the doorstep, and such a delightfully contrasting programme.

For Wednesday evening's concert, Vladimir Ashkenazy placed Dvorák's lyrical eighth symphony alongside Beethoven's fourth piano concerto - a work that this most charismatic and distinguished of conductors has himself graced the concert platform playing.

He need not have feared.

The powerful Croatian pianist Dejan Lazic brought a wonderful urgency to his interpretation and the rapport between soloist and conductor was evident.

Opening the concert with two of the Russian composer Glazunov's piano arrangements from the Chopiniana Suite made for a rich first half, but it wasn't until the second half and Dvorák's tuneful symphony that the all-round strength of the Philharmonia was fully appreciated.

Ashkenazy teased out playing of such intensity and expression from his players, culminating in a high-speed waltzy allegretto and rousing full-throttle finale, that was a joy to watch, as well as to listen to (poor sightlines apart).

The Philharmonia, more used to playing on London's South Bank, made the cathedral their own for a night, filling every nook and cranny with beautiful music.

Hope they'll be back next year.

- Anne Morris