Spanish theme definitely moreish

Halle Orchestra, Bridgewater Hall Manchester

Xuefei Yang put her own stamp on one of the world’s most popular concerti with the Halle Orchestra last night.

The Beijing-born musician was the first guitarist in China to enter a music school, and the first Chinese guitarist to launch an international professional career.

She gave a great performance with the Halle under the baton of 23-year-old conductor Jamie Phillips.

The Halle Pops concert was of music with a Spanish connection. A selection from Bizet’s Carmen delighted the audience and Ravel’s rhythmic masterpiece “Bolero” delighted them even more.