This was definitely a concert to enjoy again via the BSO’s brilliant online system. Now that streaming when convenient is such a feature of life, you can drop in at Lighthouse at any time for 30 days from anywhere with an internet link – strongly recommended via bsolive.com.

Despite a rather unconventional running order, Notes of Nostalgia fulfilled all its musical and emotional promise – and more. Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth must have been very happy with the outcome of his rather novel arrangement.

Opening with Brahms’ Third Symphony, which might have been the final work in a more conservative programme, set a tone of serious aspiration, typical of the BSO. The symphony’s opening mix of adventure and nostalgia took us directly to the heart of the matter. Beautiful playing by the wind section carried the second movement and the Allegretto was filled with charm but also feelings of regret. The gentle conclusion of the last movement looked back, but allowed the listener to decide to what.

Timed to coincide with the release of the premier recording of the work, Sir Stephen Hough played his own Piano Concerto The World of Yesterday. Leaving behind the days when new music was often aggressive, even impenetrable, this work looks back to the times of the composer/troubadour, when new music had to appeal. And this it certainly did. Inspired by the world of Vienna prior to the First World War, it used swirling dance rhythms, especially the waltz, to spin a web of allure and sophistication. Sir Stephen and Mr Wigglesworth have worked together quite extensively in the past, so their understanding made a very mature sounding performance – stylish, elegant and with a strength and seriousness which underpinned the whole work.

The evening concluded with Elgar’s Enigma Variations. To emphasise the origins of this miraculous and popular work, the conductor had researched Elgar’s own descriptions of the characters portrayed and these were performed by the acclaimed actor Walter van Dyk in between each variation. This added to the understanding and appreciation of each vignette and made something of an event of the whole performance. The “pictures” sounded so vivid and living.

One final note of nostalgia must be recorded – this concert marked the retirement from the BSO of Edward Kay, who has held the Principal Oboe’s chair with great distinction for 37 years. At the start of the evening, CEO Dougie Scarfe spoke movingly of Mr Kay’s contribution to the orchestra, and at the end he was brought forward to acknowledge the applause of a grateful audience.

Tom Wickson 

Catch up on the full concert here until 29 March