Performer: Sophia Jaffé

The Romantic fervour of Brahms' Haydn Variations and Schumann's Spring Symphony brought out by Cristian Mandeal and the Hallé, plus Sophia Jaffé's glorious performance of Bruch's Scottish Fantasy.

The opening night of the Hallé’s 2011-12 season was a thrilling tour through highly descriptive and technically challenging repertoire, and will leave Manchester concert-goers with much to look forward to.The 1889 premiere of Richard Strauss’ tone poem Don Juan was conducted by the composer, then aged 25.