I've seen the Snowman once a year, every year, since it came out, a Christmas Eve tradition that meant we were banned from watching it at any other time.

But there was no rule about *listening* to it, and so I'd reckon I've heard Howard Blake's score a hundred times or more.

I thought I knew it like the back of my hand. But I'd never heard it live, or performed by the BSO.

Their performance this afternoon showcased all the layers and the textures of the score, revealing just how beautiful the strings are, the depth and warmth and life the cellos bring, and how joyous and celebratory the Dance of the Snowmen really is.

During Walking in the Air, all attention was rightly on superb soloist Jack Faulkner, selected for the afternoon show after far-ranging auditions. He did an excellent job without ever sounding as though he was impersonating Philip Autry's much-loved interpretation.

Conductor Hugh Brunt did an admirable job of marshalling the orchestra to sync with the cartoon, by no means a small feat. Special credit also to the woodwind section, who have to carry so much of the melody.

The first half, Paddington' First Concert narrated by CBeebies Pui Fan Lee, was lovely, but probably not visual enough for the younger children in the audience, who were noticeably restless.

But come the final bow - and a standing ovation for Jack - the suitably entranced audience were totally won over by the live music experience.

If the enthusiasm of my two are anything to go by, the next generation of BSO musicians may well be among them.

And if I get to see the Snowman twice this year, I'm sure my Mum will forgive me.

There are still loads of tickets for tonight's 7pm show, so go!