Standout performance of concert series

Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Renowned Russian violinist David Oistrakh is said to have implored Shostakovich to give the opening of the finale of his Violin Concerto No 1 to the orchestra to allow him an opportunity to “at least wipe the sweat from my brow.”

It is indeed a powerful, emotionally draining work that places great demands on stamina and technique. In this impressive performance, violinist Natalia Lomeiko handled those demands with assurance and no noticeable perspiration.

Lomeiko produced a thoughtfully intense, and at times visceral, account which captured the emotionally complex aura of a work that is often bleak, savage and occasionally bitter and sarcastic.

Lomeiko brought a chilling clarity to the deep anguish and sense of anger and disillusionment which pervades much of the music, while the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra was alive to the brooding orchestral colours which contribute to a feeling of angst and melancholy.

Lomeiko’s commanding performance was the standout performance so far in the superb 2016/17 International Concert Series at St David’s Hall.

The programme also featured two comparatively lighter works: an early RimskyKorsakov rarity called Sadko, and excerpts from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.

The excerpts from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet were warm and lyrical. Under the assured and elegantly expressive conducting of Yuri Simonov, the orchestra got to the heart of this captivating music with vigour and bravura.

The orchestra painted in Sadko, a delightful tone poem, a vivid musical portrait of the minstrel to set the sea creatures dancing.

There were no fewer than four encores to close this hugely enjoyable concert.

Peter Collins The winning numbers in Saturday night’s Lotto main draw were

bonus number was The Thunderball numbers were and

7, 14, 15, 21, 23

57.The 52. 4, 5, 12, 14 24.

The Thunderball was