The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra welcomed two equally powerful forces to the Federation Concert Hall stage: violinist Simone Lamsma and conductor Alexander Shelley. Thanks to clever programming and an outstanding collection of performances, the evening exuded positive energy and authenticity.

Simone Lamsma. Photo © Otto van den Toorn

Shelley invited the audience into the spirit of the event with Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture. Through the short piece, we were introduced to the near-immaculate standard of performance that would continue for much of the night (but for some rogue brass moments, and a piercing triangle thanks to the hall’s acoustics). Shelley’s broad and elegant strokes seemed to evoke warmth in the orchestra, which reflected the joy and optimism of the work.

Headliner Simone Lamsma emerged for the main act: Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D Minor. The Dutch violinist took to the stage with no sheet music and only instinct (and muscle memory) to guide her. The result was an impassioned performance with fervent stage presence. Whether or not it was due to the absence of sheet music and page turns, Lamsma appeared uniquely connected to the orchestra. In the few moments she stole away from...