Performer: Alexander Vedernikov

If you're dreaming of a White Christmas, what better way to be guaranteed of snow than taking a trip to Russia with the BBC Symphony Orchestra?

Higgins never forgets that the concerto form has a playful element

Miloš Karadaglić provides atmosphere and virtuosity in Joby Talbot’s newest work, while Alexander Vedernikov and the BBC Symphony Orchestra give Russian flourishes in Glinka and Tchaikovsky.

This was more stadium rock than stuffy opera house, lighting as ‘metaphor made real’ as the lovers were – literally – star-struck, blinded by love.

Steven Osborne consults the audience on the choice of encore following a fine performance of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto no. 2, part of an all Russian programme which the CBSO played with zealous committment.

A belated touch of demonic fire was a welcome ingredient to last night's Prom with a compelling interpretation of Prokofiev's Third Symphony, based on material from his opera The Fiery Angel.