Composer: Adams, John (b. 1947)

A stuttering first half of Adams and Dvořák redeemed by a magical Mahler 1.

A novel venue provided the unusual setting for an engaging and impressive performance by the Multi-Story Orchestr and Multi-Story Youth Choir of music by JS Bach, Kate Whitley and John Adams.

Staggering performances from Esa-Pekka Salonen and Philharmonia in John Adams’s sonic journey, Naïve and Sentimental Music, and Marianne Crebassa exquisite in Ravel’s Shéhérazade.

Mass hysteria, Schiller’s Ode to Joy and Wild Nights – a heady mix for this year’s opening night of the BBC Proms from Edward Gardner and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

The fascinating politics of this opera are diminished by the presentation of just four scenes. The music and three strong performances almost make up as Sydney gets its first taste of this work.