Venue: National Concert Hall, Dublin

Bach Collegium Japan brings rhythmic vitality and instrumental colour to the six Brandenburg Concertos in Dublin, with thrilling harpsichord virtuosity tempered by occasional intonation difficulties.

Alexander Shelley launches his first season as Principal Guest Conductor with a powerful and ultimately transcendental account of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony.

Simon Rattle and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment deliver a revelatory all-Berlioz programme, crowned by a sensational Symphonie Fantastique of rare clarity, colour and imagination.

Two technical mishaps punctuate the evening, but Hilary Hahn maintains poise throughout a French programme crowned by a finely judged, deeply expressive performance of Fauré. 

Peter Whelan drew rare urgency and transparency from Brahms, while Carlos Ferreira’s lyrical finesse elevated Weber beyond expectation.

In Dublin, Jean-Luc Tingaud and Louis Lortie bring clarity and purpose to two composers often ill at ease with the orchestra.

Alexander Shelley tackles Schumann’s sprawling Das Paradies und die Peri with conviction, shaping real momentum and drama, even if balance issues and Thomas Moore’s cloying libretto sometimes distract.