One of the less frequently heard piano concertos, Mendelssohn’s Second in D minor, came under the artistic focus of Saleem Aboud Ashkar, making a return appearance as soloist.

What makes this concerto memorable is its almost easy-going lyricism rather than any penetrating motif. Ashkar eschews showmanship in favour of simply putting an element of charm into his immaculate fingerwork, even as the work’s demands increase. His beautiful, song-like lyricism in the soporific Adagio and energy a-plenty in the bracing finale illuminated it all with pure joie-de-vivre.

Directing the BSO, Alexander Vedernikov’s self-effacing rapport in the concerto blossomed in this Dorset County Council supported concert when Rachmaninov’s Symphony No2 set course for an impressive voyage. There are times when it seems like a massive seascape and throughout Vedernikov’s traversal the economy of material, sedately rolling in on sonic waves, was coaxed with an acute ear for its expansive sonorities. The squally Scherzo appeared to emphasize its marine metaphor, the long-breathed Adagio, headed by Peter Furniss’ fine clarinet, contained the passion within.

Lulled into somnolent state, the finale’s face-smacking, spume-laden awakening-running storms to sea and shore-set a course for home, Vedernikov’s assured bearing bringing mutual respect from the crew and a splendid prize into port.

Scriabin’s music often inhabits the esoteric. His Reverie is cloaked in such mysteries, yet conveys a marvellous sense of musicianship.