It’s rare when I see a performance that I wish would never end. Usually, even during a show I enjoy, escaping an uncomfortable chair is something I look forward to. But with Swan Lake, I would have happily laid upon a bed of nails to hear just a few more notes.

Played like a greatest hits album, an all killer no filler setlist, this condensed set of Swan Lake music was absolutely astounding. From the first gentle note, the young conductor Ben Gernon had everybody in the palm of his hand. His enthusiasm rubbing off on not just the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, but every awe inspired member of the audience.

Near the beginning, after a mesmerising performance of the third piece, the audience tried to resist a rousing round of applause. One person broke rank, and soon enough the rest of the room followed.

A fantastic preview of the Ballet, soon to be performed on the same stage next year.

Even though this post is primarily about Swan Lake, I feel I should give mention to the Pianist Juan Pérez Floristán, who made his 2nd appearance at the Royal Albert Hall (the first apparently being inside his mother’s womb). Watching his fingers move across the piano like wildfire was a sight to behold, and we were luckily enough to see him perform an encore. If you get to chance to see him, I highly recommend you do.