The Elisabeth Murdoch Hall is packed to the rafters for the MSO’s Strauss & Mozart. The drawcard is undoubtedly the soloist: Melburnians are more than a little curious to see the MSO’s hugely popular Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor Jaime Martín brandishing a flute instead of a baton to play Mozart’s first flute concerto in G major.

Martín has graced Melbourne stages countless times, but never as a flautist. Before becoming a conductor, however, he was a sought-after flautist, and his discography includes a recording of Mozart’s flute concertos with Sir Neville Marriner and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

He could not receive a warmer welcome as he mounts the podium to conduct the opening work, Bach’s Third Orchestral Suite in D major. The MSO plays the lively suite with great verve and finesse, and the celebratory mood continues.

Martín looks bemused when he returns to the stage with a flute, but there is not a sliver of doubt that he owns the performance. Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G major sparkles, and the chemistry between the MSO and its leader – and between Martín and the audience – ensures the performance...