PIANO man Ben Folds got a little help from some friends at Wales Millennium Centre.

After coaching the audience through a three-part harmony, he thrust his arms into the air conductor-style and played the room like a massive living orchestra.

This expert trick of crowd interaction was just one highlight of a show that brought the capital's Festival of Voice to a spectacular finale. The two-week programme has brought some big names and bigger voices to the country and this was the first Welsh show by US rock pianist Folds.

“Thanks to all who drove from Bristol to be here. It's normally the other way round,” he grinned as the audience cheered.

Having risen to fame in the 1990s fronting alt-pop outfit Ben Folds Five – which found a niche somewhere between Elton John and Weezer – he has since explored ever more eclectic territory.

Sunday's show saw him team up with New York classical wind-and-string ensemble yMusic, following last year's collaborative album So There.

Favourites from the Folds back catalogue were given added sheen by the virtuoso musicians, who improvised around the hits.

He even took requests and the crowd helped him recall the words to lesser-known numbers. A night to remember.

By Declan Harte