THE Abergavenny Symphony Orchestra has given us some memorable concerts over the years, but none so assured and accomplished as the programme on Sunday night at Our Lady & St. Michael’s R.C. Church, under guest conductor, Tianyi Lu. 

The programme comprised two of Dvorak’s finest works, the first of which, his wonderful Cello Concerto, was given a seriously dramatic and refreshingly unsentimental reading by BBC Welsh National Opera principal, Rosie Biss. 

The second half consisted of an inspired interpretation of the composer’s finest symphony, the 8th, in which the dynamic and charismatic maestra drew playing of the very highest level and expressive intensity from the players, which completely belied their non-professional status. 

This redoubtable band goes from strength to strength, and we can look forward to their next concerts with eager anticipation.

Chris Hall