IT'S scientifically proven that the rhythm and sound of the waltz brings joy and lifts the mood.

It may be one of the reasons that, whether in Vienna, Poole or indeed anywhere, the traditional New Year Johann Strauss Gala is always so popular.

There was certainly a touch of the philosophical at the sold out Lighthouse on Monday afternoon from conductor, Victor Aviat.

The Frenchman said the New Year reminds that "we must live every moment because we are not here forever."

And in introducing some Mozart, Vedrai Carino from Don Giovanni into the proceedings (most unusual for New Year's Day), he said that the German composer was the king of the ambiguity between happiness and melancholy in music.

Aviat, the BSO's Young Conductor in Association was a delight at the podium, charming, wonderfully self-effacing and incredibly expressive.

The concert began in the best possible way with the dazzling and enchanting Overture from Die Fledermaus.

After Josef Strauss' Music of the Spheres, soloist Rhian Lois beguiled the audience with Musetta's Waltz Song from La Boheme and the beautiful O mio babbino caro.

She returned in after the interval to perform Adele's Audition Song and The Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus. Sheer joy.

Other highlights (indeed every piece was one) were the Annen Polka, the rousing Long Live the Magyar and of course the Persian March, Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Emperor Waltz, and the Blue Danube.

The two hour performance ended as it does all over the world with the Radetzky March.

Absolutely no ambiguity in this afternoon.

Pure, unadulterated delight.