The last in the Teatime Classics brought a programme celebrating the finest English conductors and was particularly enjoyed by the older fans of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

John Brunning, popular Classic FM DJ, was an excellent host, giving witty but informative introductions to the pieces.

This concert was a chance for Frank Zielhorst, Leverhulme Young Conductor in Association for the BSO since last September, to demonstrate his capabilities with different configurations of the orchestra which he did with fervent enthusiasm and commanding leadership.

Proceedings started with Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks. Described by John Brunning as “England's most famous adopted musical son”, Handel composed these works in 1749 for George II to celebrate the end of the war of Austrian succession.

First performed in Green Park, it was not a smooth concert – bridges across London were gridlocked, rainy conditions were not ideal for fireworks, and a newly built pavilion caught fire mid show. 

Described as a “wind band” suite, the brass and woodwind sections were a delight and the piece was highly enjoyable, despite a mobile phone ringing between movements.

After brief orchestral reshufflings expertly filled by John Brunning, we heard Ralph Vaughan Williams English Folk Song Suite, followed by The Lark Ascending, voted once by Desert island Discs listeners as “Britain's all time favourite”.

The latter showcased BSO Leader Amyn Merchant's incredible talent as solo violinist, displaying exquisite interpretation.

In the second half of the programme, a fuller orchestra performed William Walton's Coronation March, Crown Imperial.

Introduced as a piece with a “majestic and imperious tone”, Zielhorst put his all into this rendition which was met by huge applause. Performed at the Coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, it was also the Recessional piece at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

Stripped down to strings alone, St Paul's Suite by Gustav Holst included flavours of jig, waltz and march and Zielhorst squeezed every last ounce from his willing and very able musicians.

The Walk to the Paradise Garden by Frederick Delius was a beautiful auditory experience with romance yet substance.

To close, Brunning told us “we've got a real wake up call for you” and he wasn't wrong! Nimrod by Edward Elgar, played at Remembrance Day ceremonies worldwide was instantly recognisable and goose-bump inducing, whilst Pomp and Circumstance March No 4 was a fitting finale to the majestic theme.

Stephanie Hall