Work: The Nutcracker, Op.71: Act 2

Tchaikovsky's final opera and ballet were always intended to be paired; at the Royal Albert Hall Petrenko and the RPO present them together in a rewarding double-bill, marred by microphones.

Though Janine Jansen's Bartok impresses, Pappano and the LSO disappoint in two of Ravel and Tchaikovsky's best-loved works

It was an evening of contrasts in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s latest concert. The program was subtitled Tchaikovsky at the Ballet, referring to the second half of the concert, which comprised highlights from the Nutcracker and Swan Lake; however, the first half was every bit as intriguing.