Performer: Bristol Choral Society

Vaughan Williams and Finzi given the Philharmonia treatment with John Wilson at the helm at the Royal Festival Hall.

Esa-Pekka Salonen opened the Philharmonia season with a taut, driven Berlioz Requiem, epic, if somewhat constrained by the scale of the Festival Hall.

In a concert of two halves, the Philharmonia fail to convince with Suk and Dvořák but provide a thrilling rendition of Janáček's Glagolitic Mass, a choral work that is dramatic, operatic, giant in scale and unique in style.

Many people have triggers to make them feel seasonal, and this evening’s concert was no doubt a source for many audience members. Festive cheer spread around Bristol’s Colston Hall for an evening of joyous music celebrating the Christmas story with Handel’s Messiah.