Performer: Christian Kluxen

Lise Davidsen's Ariadne and Sara Hershkowitz' Zerbinetta shine in the Arctic Philharmonic's slightly lacklustre Ariadne auf Naxos

Barnabás Kelemen gave a strong performance of Shostakovich to last a dark polar night in Turku. 

The contention that black and white are not colours felt doubtful upon seeing the customary RSNO white tie and black tails reversed; the truly colourful array of dresses offsetting white tuxedos allowed one to see, more easily than usual, the gender balance of the RSNO – which, in this Valentine’s concert, seemed about 50–50.

Under the baton of Christian Kluxen, their young Danish Assistant Conductor, there was a distinctly Scandinavian flavour to the RSNO’s concert on Friday evening. While not sold out, the Usher Hall was reassuringly full, the audience no doubt drawn by the familiar names on the programme as well as undeterred by the novelties.

Bell’s Whisky used to be almost synonymous with Perth, and anyone who lives in Perth and Kinross will have been touched by the generosity of A.K. Bell’s Gannochy Trust, started 75 years ago. Early projects included sewerage systems to improve the quality of the river Tay, and setting up the Gannochy Housing Estate.

Naked Classics is the RSNO's live equivalent of Radio 3's Discovering Music. A single work - in this case Sibelius' Symphony no. 5 - is explored in the hope of heightened enjoyment of the performance which follows. I have been a keen devotee of this format for years but had never had the opportunity to experience a live version.