The English Symphony Orchestra's first concert of the autumn series was a resounding, sell-out success. William Boughton conducted and Michael Bochmann was concertmaster.

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.4 in G major, Op.58 received a masterly interpretation with John Lill. His profound understanding of Beethoven's required pianism and his execution of it is legendary.

Lill's thoughtful, poetic solo which began the Allegro moderato was replied to in kind by the orchestra. The ESO phrased impeccably and punctuated immaculately the pianist's florid passages, leading to a sublime melody accompanied by pianissimo strings. Lill's first movement cadenza was imposing, his bass-line impressive.

Andante con moto's bold orchestral opening of unison octaves alternated with intimacy from the pianist, then ponderous beauty from the piano was set against occasional plucked strings.

The finale, Rondo-Vivace, was vivacious with nifty plucking of strings as they frolicked with the piano, Lill rippled over the keys and the cellos sang a glorious song. A wonderfully graduated final crescendo from the piano drew this powerful performance to its end.

A poignant and timely inclusion was Chamber Symphony Op.110a by Shostakovich. In a haunting, austere piece, the composer depicted horror and agitation in continuous, unrelenting music. A chromatic solo violin, disturbing orchestral chords and a soulful cello led to tremendous agitation and wispy high melodic fragments.

Bochmann's violin doleful and expressive, rich unison strings and a ghastly high register cello sounded gaunt, yet moving and lovely in this significant performance.

These two works were juxtaposed by Schubert's youthfully exuberant Symphony No.1 in D major, D82 and Mendelssohn's happy, melodious Symphony No.4 in A, Op.90, Italian - a pity about the errant horn!

The ESO's next concert is on Saturday, October 30.

Jill Hopkins