'No matter how demanding the programme, conductor Derek Williams' faith in his players always pays off, even when they perform spectacular show pieces by two of Russia's most technically demanding composers.

Tchaikovsky's Francesca da Rimini, both dark-hued and wild, contains a dazzlingly horrifying picture of Dante's Inferno and much music which conveys the heroine and her lover's intense passion.

The NSO played their hearts out - both collectively and as soloists, since the composer makes huge demands on all sections of the orchestra, not least the principal clarinet, who took a well deserved bow at the end.

Tight ensemble and much solo brilliance is also required by Rachmaninov in his Symphonic Dances, one of his most compelling works, as well as being a strange paradox: a vision of approaching death full of rhythmic energy.

The NSO vividly conveyed the composers fantastic vision with unusual combinations and rapid mood swings.

Emily Smith, 17, was the soloist in Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto. The way she involved the audience in her passionate, warmly lyrical performance can be judged by the cheers and standing ovation which greeted the work's conclusion.

Her playing captured both the imagination and energy which were typical of the concert as a whole.'