Continuing the theme - live music treat!

Dedication to my niece Jessica #4.

Attended a concert Sheffield City Hall for the first time, with my brother. It was great to hear the full orchestra live. Being from Poland, they began with the "Little Suite" by Lutoslawski. Although no-one would have been there for that piece, it served as a good curtain raiser to the quality of the performances. Next was the Piano Concerto no 2 by Shostakovich, which although short, gives plenty of opportunity for both lively and lyrical playing. The soloist was Noriko Ogawa, and I could hardly imagine a more sparkling performance or more appropriate interpretation, it was excellent. The only thing the first half was short of was length, which had to be to give way for the big work to follow - Mahler's 5th symphony. It is the second time I have heard it live, and most impressive it was. Although controlled it did not lack power and intensity, and all the 5 long movements were enthralling. The famous adagietto for the strings was masterfully performed, to my untrained ears, and it was just a grand evening.