Vitaly Pisarenko at Cadogan Hall

What a surprise after a magnificent performance of the Ravel Piano Concerto to be greeted by two such distinguished admirers Graham Johnson and Linn Rothstein

It was Graham who had been so impressed at Vitaly’s Wigmore Hall debut a few years ago when he played that magically  illusive work that is Miroirs

Here at Cadogan Hall now for the first collaboration between the London Mozart Players and the Keyboard Charitable Trust for Kestrel Music Promotions.

The Ravel Concerto beautifully framed by the Faure Pavane and Requiem with the veteran conductor Hilary Davan Wetton with his magnificent City of London Choir of which he has been at the helm since 1989.

On only one full rehearsal in the afternoon they went on to give a superb performance of the Concerto in the very delicate sound world of Ravel .

It was hard to believe after such a performance that it was in fact a first performance for everyone concerned .

The magical sound world into which we are immediately plunged after the crack of the whip with which it begins was beautifully shaped by the pianist in duo with the magical sounds of the harp.

The slightly jazzy melodic sounds that followed the rhythmic opening were realised with the refined good taste of which Ravel was absolute master.

A real chamber music atmosphere was created and the magical cadenza continuing the atmosphere so perfectly with the etherial trills adding that same magic that was so much part of the world of the harp.

The entry of the orchestra after the cadenza was perfectly judged leading to a hint of almost Rachmaninovian grandeur after a movement in which magic was in the air.

The long slow solo by the pianist at the opening of the Adagio was beautifully judged and shaped with a delicacy that drew the audience into these almost intimate confessions and set the atmosphere .

The interplay between orchestral soloists and pianist could have been enjoyed even more.The atmosphere so beautifully created was just waiting for a slightly bolder musical line from the orchestral soloists which would have made the magical interweaving of the piano even more ravishing.

The last movement was spectacular with some astonishing virtuosity from the soloist and a real rhythmic drive that was indeed breathtaking and brought this amazing work to its abrupt close.

An ovation from the audience but also from the orchestra for tonight’s soloist Vitaly Pisarenko