American composer-conductor John Adams leads the SSO in a concert of virtuosity, euphoria and good old fashioned fun.

American composer-conductor John Adams is no stranger to Sydney, having collaborated with the SSO on numerous occasions since 1986. He has never before conducted the orchestra however, a fact I was keenly aware of as I took my seat in the Opera House theatre, curious to see how he would fare up on the podium.

The buttoned-up Adams shortly took to the stage and with a quick nod to the audience, launched the orchestra into Beethoven’s Fidelio overture. He appeared somewhat ungainly in his stick technique, however his direction was clear and the orchestra tackled the hills and valleys of this dramatic introduction to Beethoven’s only opera in fine form.

The Australian premiere of the Adams violin concerto was next on the bill. American violinist Leila Josefowicz entered stage right, dressed in a purple and blue frilly number with 1724 Del Gesu violin in tow. A cascade of orchestral arpeggios introduced the concerto – a dreamlike and airy cushion on which rested Josefowicz’s clear tone and perfect intonation. Rhythmic syncopation and pizzicato accompanied a breathtaking and relentless flurry of agility from Josefowicz,...