Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
BBC Philharmonic
Yan Pascal Tortelier

In Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, Yan Pascal Tortelier, led the BBC Philharmonic. Guy Johnston was the responsive soloist in the Cello Concerto, his intonation immaculate, his contemplative tone quality creating an especially eloquent mood in the opening Moderato. In his thoughtful approach, Johnston illuminated the almost chamber-like aspects of the music, particularly the whispered opening notes of the finale, the mercurial spontaneity of each of its variations, and the hushed tenderness with which he so sensitively rounded off the concerto.

Lynne Walker