Russian violinist Alina Ibragimova gives an astounding performance of Sibelius.

Federation Concert Hall, Tasmania
November 22, 2014

It’s fairly easy to impress, but it takes a lot more to astound. Such was the case with Russian violinist Alina Ibragimova in Saturday night’s performance of the Sibelius’ Violin Concerto with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

Before Ibragimova stepped on stage, the TSO played a welcoming Symphony No 35 Haffner by Mozart. As per the composer’s original request some three centuries ago, the work was performed “with great fire” – the first movement’s jolting octave theme developing into a brilliantly big ending. It was a touch bass heavy – and while this may have been the hall, the players could have compensated.

The second movement followed with Mozart’s typical cheekiness, and third was bursting with energy, which – to my horror – was interrupted by a lady yawning in the row directly behind me. For the Finale (Presto), the timpani built a momentum which, during its subsequent absence, was well sustained by the tight flourishes of the strings. A number of grinning musicians could be spotted on stage during this one, and they certainly deserved to feel that delight.

Many musicians left the stage to be replaced by a...