The ECO returns to Sheffield to continue its collaboration with oboist and conductor François Leleux, a musician of infectious vitality. Leleux directs and performs Mozart’s charming Oboe Concerto, as well as the great Polish composer Penderecki’s Capriccio, a work of fascinating colours and dazzling showmanship.

Opening and closing the concert are two of the best-loved and most engaging symphonies of them all. Mozart’s ‘Haffner’ is a superb celebratory masterpiece, while Mendelssohn’s ‘Italian’ radiates warmth and sunniness. No wonder he once described it as “the happiest piece I have yet composed”. Bursting with energy and optimism, it culminates with a frenzied dance that will leave you simply breathless.

François Leleux

Oboe/Conductor