Classical review: Royal Scottish National Orchestra - A Viennese New Year, Edinburgh Usher Hall

It’s hard to know what brought the most pleasure at this lively concert – the music or the banter. Both conspired to create an atmosphere teeming with life and laughter.

As befits a Viennese New Year concert, an Austrian was at the helm. David Danzmayr was assistant conductor with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for three years, so knows it well.

His knowledge of what he termed the “Strauss mafia” was also unsurprisingly large, delivered during several moments of convivial and amusing chat. At the baton, Danzmayr had an instinctive feel for how these pieces should be played, his body language suggesting he’d knock out a mean polka himself on the dance floor.

Although Vienna was at the heart of the evening, Danzmayr promised us an “international programme” featuring influences from France, Croatia, Germany, Ireland and even our home turf. Josef Strauss’s Scottish Dance was perhaps the weakest link of all twelve pieces performed. Well, it certainly was compared to Suppé’s diverse Overture to Poet and Peasant – the kind of work that lets an orchestra show what it’s made of. The RSNO held it in the palm of its hand like fine china, before powering up for the exciting climax.

Elsewhere on the programme, Johann Strauss II proved why he’s more famous than his father and brothers, especially with the enchanting Blue Danube. But star of the night was Irish soprano Ailish Tynan, whose personality and wit was only outshone by her stunning vocals. A true talent.

Rating: ****