JOHANNES Moser gave an expressive but suitably unsettling performance of Walton’s moody Cello Concerto.

A German-Canadian and artist in residence with the BSO, Mr Moser plays cleanly and without fuss, letting the notes do the talking, it was an enjoyable way to hear Walton which is sometimes marred by heavy-handedness.

Warmly-received, Mr Moser followed up with an encore - the Sarabande from Bach’s G Major Suite - which again revealed the refreshing elegance of clarity over an excess of feeling.

The first act began with Stravinsky’s endlessly charming Pulcinella Suite, music to which the BSO is perfectly suited with their especially strong woodwind section. It was a light and sparkling performance. More Stravinsky on the schedule would be most welcome.

The conclusion was Shostakovich’s first symphony. Under the direction of lead conductor Kirill Karabits, the ensemble appeared to be having an especially enjoyable time with this one. The massed brass sounded great, and the whole concert afforded the orchestra’s own solo talents in the strings and wind several opportunities to see how lucky we are to have them here.

Mr Karabits evidently enjoyed the evening enough to leave the audience with a rare encore, which contrasted, favourably, with the Soviet master’s concluding bars.