The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s 2023 season reached high points with this and last week’s Stefan Dohr concert and it was specifically the strings that emerged as the heroes on this occasion. The opener was Sibelius’s charming three movement Karelia Suite, Op. 11 which was done with precision and affection.

I have commented on the current excellence of the TSO’s woodwinds and brass in recent reviews, but I also particularly noticed an expressive flexibility and cohesive character in the string textures at these performances. It was at its most striking and beneficial in the glorious rendition of Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 19.

Ilya Gringolts is one of the best violinists in the business these days. His playing of this work was everything one could have wished for, and more, in terms of tonal beauty and shading, virtuosity of execution and sheer musicality. During the performance, one was also constantly aware of the creative interaction between Gringolts and the orchestra. While conductor and soloist shaped the contours of the concerto with great sensitivity and dynamic nuance, one could also sense that everyone was...