The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) concluded a vibrant concert at the Barbican, marking the culmination of their spring tour across England and Ireland. The excitement was palpable, and it was clear why.

The wind section of the RLPO is exceptionally refined and richly colored, potentially the finest among the UK’s leading orchestras. Their brilliance was particularly evident during the second part of Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances, showcasing the enchanting alto saxophone solo beautifully performed by Carl Raven. The audience’s cheers were also significantly directed towards conductor Domingo Hindoyan, who is now in his fourth year leading the orchestra.

Hindoyan thrives on vibrant orchestral works. The concert included not only the striking Rachmaninov piece, which brought forth a dynamic sound from the entire orchestra but also an engaging 11-minute piece called Fandangos by Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra. While Fandangos may lack structural depth, it served effectively as an exhilarating concert opener, allowing the conductor to exhibit his energetic style.

In addition to colorful compositions, Hindoyan also shows a keen interest in more grandeur musical works, such as Bruckner’s symphonies. While there was no Bruckner on the program this time, the evening featured Elgar’s poignant Cello Concerto, which was his final orchestral composition.

Spanish cellist Pablo Ferrández was the evening’s standout, pouring his passion into the opening chords of the concerto and moving expressively, often bending close to the strings in what felt like an intimate connection with the music.

Ferrández’s rapid pizzicato passages were exhilarating and, although the orchestra maintained a more subdued tone resonating with English melancholy, the emotional depth of the performance was undeniable. It was during his encore, Casals’ Song of the Birds, that he truly revealed the nuances of his artistry, captivating the audience into a profound silence. The orchestra also treated the audience to an encore, performing a beautifully arranged rendition of Rachmaninov’s Zdes’ khorosho by principal horn player Timothy Jackson, which was enchanting.

Overall, the performance highlighted the exceptional talents of Hindoyan and the RLPO, leaving the audience yearning for more opportunities to see them in London. Next, Hindoyan will conduct the RLPO in Verdi’s Requiem at Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, on July 12.