English U.S.-based composer Anna Clyne’s Restless Oceans made a fine concert starter. Short, intense and overflowing with positive rhythmic energy, with a contrasting melting flute melody as well as the inclusion of stomping feet and vocalisation from orchestral players, it was instantly gripping and totally exhilarating.

For me, Gustav Mahler’s Rückert Lieder make a perfect introduction to a great composer whose huge symphonic structures can appear daunting to some listeners. Making her TSO debut, Swedish soprano Camilla Tilling proved to be a superb advocate for these gorgeous songs. Her warm but clear tone, vocal agility and sheer musicality was a constant delight.

She effortlessly conveyed the wide range of mood and emotion, from the drama of Um Mitternacht to the inwardness and pathos of my personal favourite from all Mahler’s lied – Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen (I am Lost to the World).

Camilla Tilling. Photo © Carin Ekblom

Following this five-song cycle the soprano further demonstrated her empathy with this idiom by performing two humorous folk inspired songs from Des Knaben Wunderhorn. Conductor Eivind Aadland has a great rapport with Tilling; he ensured that the orchestra supplied beautifully expressive accompaniments...