In a week when the world mourned the death of Elizabeth II, the inclusion of Mahler 9 exploring death and the disintegration of life, brought a certain solemnity to the performance. The luscious strings displayed great control in a score rich in dynamics and textural instructions. But death was never far away.
We were treated to some quite stunning playing from Omar Tomasoni, the principal trumpet who played with such lightness, depth of emotion and precision that members of the audience were visibly moved.
But all was not to be. Time stood still as the harp and wind meandered in a world of chromaticism. The solo cello with its haunting descending motif suggested hope; the glissando violins swept us gently to a place of calm tranquillity.
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