The palm-stretching demands of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2 were, in the hands of Nikolai Lugansky, supremely accomplished. In a live BBC Radio 3 broadcast there seemed to be that extra bit of tension in the pregnant silence before Lugansky pressed the keys of the carefully controlled chords, high in expectation. No disappointment here; with many pleasing romantic gestures through its powerful course.

The Adagio’s mood was heart-winning under the soloist’s sensitive fingers with subtle accompaniment from Kirill Karabits players ardently reaching the high point. The finale moved with the greatest of ease between calm contemplation and virtuosic virility, thunderously acclaimed.

Walton’s Symphony No2 maybe biographical, but its turbulent astringency under Karabits was strong meat. It had tension, intensity and sweep in the opening Allegro with some repose coloured by various instrumental duos. But the thickly-textured dissonance required rather more dynamic layering to reveal the score. The Presto certainly vented vitriol and the third movement’s moodiness and brow-beating were evident yet only just touching on the emotional wrench. The finale’s upbeat fugal episodes brought in an emphatic blazing finish to end the BSO’s main season.

A precursor to this concert was the presentation to oboist Peter Rendle, retiring after more than 30 years with the BSO, by incoming Chief Executive Dougie Scarfe.

Dance movements from Khachaturian’s spectacular ballet Gayaneh received Karabits explosively ardent advocacy.