VALERIY Sokolov gave an assured performance of Shostakovich's brooding Violin Concerto No. 1 at the Lighthouse last night, with the typically flawless support of the BSO.

The Ukrainian violinist seduced in the stark shifts of emphasis and rhythm of the Nocturne, was light and playful yet forthright in the Scherzo, and fittingly energetic in the bow-shredding cadenza - into which he injected a sprinkling of original flourishes without pause.

The final movement, a hugely invigorating Burlesque with bold changes of rhythm and a smattering of syncopation, was performed with panache, and Sokolov's heavy double stopping in the final moments made for a gritty conclusion.

The concert opened with Liadov's colourful Kikimora, a light-hearted but occasionally sinister musical fairy tale, which proved an apt scene setter.

Beethoven's fifth symphony brought the concert to its close, and the BSO whipped through at a lively pace - certainly the best way to hear this much-loved favourite in this reviewer's opinion.

The horns were particularly prominent, which is always welcome in Beethoven, and while the ensemble was clearly polishing off a fairly straightforward (to play) crowd-pleaser, they were clearly thoroughly enjoying themselves in the process.