German cellist Alban Gerhardt is no stranger to the Sydney Opera House stage. The last time he was on it he was performing the world premiere of Brett Dean’s cello concerto in a triumphant 2018 concert with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Earlier visits had already established him as a firm favourite with local audiences.

Alban Gerhardt. Photo supplied

It’s easy to see why from his calm and still stage manner, fluid technique and strong and expressive tone. There is the minimum of fuss and the connection he has to his material, as well as his fellow performers and the audience, is evident.

For his latest visit Gerhardt gave an outstanding display of virtuosity in Sergei Prokofiev’s Sinfonia concertante for cello and orchestra, a much revised work which began life as a cello concerto and which was revised towards the end of his life when the composer met and befriended Mstislav Rostropovich. There is also a sense that Prokofiev is taking his leave after years of illness.

The piece has only been performed three times by the SSO since it was published in 1952. Given the challenges – there are two formidable...