Sitting in Hamer Hall at the Arts Centre is an experience in itself. I had not been to a classical music concert in many years- other than the recent Toy Story in which I listened to the music, yet watched the film.
This time eyes were all on the impeccably dressed musicians and vibrant conductor Xiang Zhang.
The first act was Violin Concerto No 1, written by Zhao Jiping of China. Performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with soloist violinist Ning Feng of China. Feng plays beautifully on a 1710 Stradivari violin called the Vieuxtemps Hauser.
Whilst my older companion felt this piece was too modern, this is what I loved about it. It was fresh , soft, lyrical with passion shown not only by the music but with the artist himself whose eyes and facial expressions told a story of a man passionate about his music.
The second act Beethoven Symphony No. 9 was the familiar of the two pieces. Whilst it was long, well over an hour, it was broken into four sections, one of which was the familiar Ode to Joy sung in German with the MSO chorus of 78 with four soloists.
The chorus, whose director is Michael Fulcher, quietly made their way to the balcony and stage back, followed by four singers looking stunning.
Madeleine Pierard soprano, Ashlyn Tymms mezzo-soprano, Rosario la Spina tenor and Nathan Berg bass. This familiar tune comes at the end of the piece, sung in German with lyrics by Friedrich Von Schiller.
Whilst unfortunately I do not understand German and would love to hear the English translated version it was a privilege to be listening to these talented artists.
Xiang Zhang, the American-Chinese principal guest conductor of the MSO in conducting both pieces, was memorisingly extraordinary, very demonstrative, smiling, showing a control over and appreciation for the whole orchestra.
It was no wonder the applause from the audience, most standing, seemed to last 10 minutes.

• Review by Elizbeth Semmel