What an excellent program and stunning concert this was. The orchestra played at its impressive peak, led by the precise, expressive direction of Polish-Russian conductor Andrey Boreyko. This conductor has been in charge of orchestras as far afield as Antwerp and Florida, and most recently the highly respected Warsaw Philharmonic; I hope we see him often on our shores. His pacing of Stravinsky’s early ballet The Firebird had all the lyrical ardour, savage excitement and glorious colour it requires. The orchestra’s response was tight as a drum, with characterful (and beautiful) solo work from the woodwinds and brass. First among equals were flautist Emma Sholl and principal horn Samuel Jacobs.

Andrey Boreyko and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Photo © Ken Leanfore

The Firebird was preceded by a work from the composer who received the original commission from entrepreneur Sergei Diaghilev but was too slow (or lazy) in getting started, causing the producer to turn to the young, unknown Stravinsky. That composer was Anatoly Liadov (1855–1914). From his scant but brilliant orchestral output, we heard the tone poem Kikimora (depicting a witch-like figure from Russian folklore). The spooky atmosphere of the...