Pianist Alexandra takes Halle by storm

AN EXPLOSIVE programme full of Russian flair and tradition set the stage on fire at Saturday’s concert, cleverly compiled by Bury-born conductor and Halle associate Stephen Bell and one of the best of the Halle Pops concerts to date.

The orchestra’s razor-sharp musicians set the scene Glinka’s “Ruslan and Ludmilla” overture, ahead of a stunning performance of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 1 by Romanian-born pianist Alexandra Dariescu, on her Halle debut.

This talented 28 year old gave an explosive, expressive and awesome performance, which earned tumultuous applause from the awestruck audience.

The trawl through famous Russian pieces ended with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.