It is a surprisingly unusual occurrence for orchestras and their chief conductors to conclude their relationship with an amicable separation and a desire to continue working together. Melbourne audiences are the beneficiaries of the fact the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra retains obvious warmth and respect for Sir Andrew Davis, who makes his first visit since the pandemic as Conductor Laureate. Sir Andrew led a program of Vine, Mendelssohn and Brahms that featured a soloist more than six decades his junior, 14-year-old violinist Christian Li.

Christian Li performs with Sir Andrew Davis and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, 2022. Photo © Laura Manariti

After the large and particularly youthful audience had taken their places, the evening opened with Vine’s MicroSymphony, composed in 1986 for the Sydney Youth Orchestra. While short in length, substantial forces including solo piano, augmented brass and winds and a large selection of percussion are called for in this exciting work. The MSO performed with vigour, with moments of fine ensemble and exciting drive. Exposed solos in the percussion and piano parts were handled with cool poise.

The evergreen Violin Concerto of Mendelssohn was the vehicle for MSO’s new...