This well-constructed program of mostly Mozart presented the audience with a wonderful exploration of the “Sturm und Drang” style, while also allowing the Australian Chamber Orchestra to play to its considerable strengths in the works of the classical era. Scored for horns and oboes (and occasionally bassoons) these works luxuriate in a burnished, dark mahogany sound world that has ready appeal.

Bookending the concert were symphonies in the “storm and stress” idiom. Haydn’s Symphony No 39 in G Minor nicknamed “Tempesta di mare” (Sea Storm) opened proceedings while Mozart’s Symphony No 25, K. 183 in the same key gave the concert a dramatic finale.

Haydn’s symphony is a study in contrasts, a point not lost on the orchestra, particularly in the outer movements. Spiky rhythms and sudden dynamic contrasts brought the tempestuous musical scene to life in the first movement, even if there were occasional moments during the symphony that were seasoned with inconsistent intonation in the first violins. The ensuing Andante and Menuet and Trio again brought further well-judged contrasts of mood before the orchestra launched a surprise attack on the finale from the Trio of the third movement. The ACO’s trademark driving energy took no prisoners in the work’s...