I am aware of the need to ‘sell’ a programme of music, but unconvinced that composers from Germany, Poland and Norway should grace this ‘Irish’ celebration despite presenter Petroc Trelawny’s citing of the worldwide ‘Irish Pub’ phenomenon. Indeed the case for ‘big names’ seemed to fall flatly on its face judging by the paucity of patrons.

However, with two Irishmen in the spotlight there was nothing here that wasn’t totally enjoyable. Finghin Collins made an impressive solo appearance in Chopin’s Piano Concerto No2; his virtuosity sustaining all the wonderful melodies throughout and conveying a contemplative outlook in the Larghetto. To his great credit we were treated to John field’s lovely Nocturne No5 as an encore.

I’m grateful that under the very fine direction of Dominic Wheeler we heard the first of Stanford’s six Irish Rhapsodies. Incorporating two tunes ‘Leatherbags Donnell’ and the ‘Londonderry Air’ it gave a vivid evocation of the ‘Emerald Isle’ tuneful inheritance.

We could have heard the whole of Sir Hamilton Harty’s superb Irish Symphony; the second movement The Fair Day, had a real feel for the typically cheerful Irish character with luminescent playing from the BSO.

Despite my caveats I thoroughly appreciated Wheeler’s telling account of Mendelssohn’s A Calm Sea and A Prosperous Voyage and the Second Suite from Grieg’s Peer Gynt showing a sensitive depth of musicianship.

One lucky punter found a ‘golden shamrock’ and a prize trip to the Greenhouse!

Mike Marsh