BUILDING upon her brilliant achievement in 2002 of winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year at the tender age of 12, Jennifer Pike has become an international star, and her performance here of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto was evidence enough for that.

Pike’s technique readily surmounted the embedded difficulties of this most virtuosic concerto in which conductor Rui Pinheiro gave full measure to the heroic orchestral palette.

The double stopping and harmonics in Pike’s cadenza proclaimed breathtaking bravura and the foregone prospect of applause, duly acknowledged and also allowing for a sip of water!

The slow movement was a fair respite, beautifully drawn and a setup for the ensuing finale’s epic pursuit of perpetual movement.

Its Russian credentials encouraged some earthy timbres from her 1708 Goffriller instrument with Pinheiro ensuring orchestral colour in support.

Jamie Crick, presenting for Classic FM’s association with the BSO, mentioned Tchaikovsky’s short-lived marriage-one that he was coerced into under the threat of suicide by his prospective bride!

Beethoven’s Symphony No5 under Pinheiro’s direction observed its obsessive motif and drive with tremendous assurance.

The Andante’s dynamic contrasts were handled with consummate care and the proper emphasis afforded to lower strings in the third movement.

A surging build to the finale and subsequent release assured the ‘Fifth’ attained full potential.

Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll floated gracefully upwards, reaching an impassioned climax before descending into an eloquent lullaby, a sublime Christmas present for his wife and newborn son.