City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Overture, carefully-delineated and sustained at first, then driven crisply and rhythmically, moved towards a love theme whose intensity here was almost too much too bear. And Vaughan Williams' Symphony no.4 was searing and passionate, taking no prisoners, in Litton's reading with this pliant orchestra. Textures and timbres were consummately layered, instrumental solos were engaging, and the drama unfolded with relentless timing.

Sandwiching the Barber were two authentically Shakespearean works, beginning with the suite from Walton's fabulous score for Laurence Olivier's wartime film of Henry V. Litton drew a vivid and engrossing reading from this huge orchestra which seems unable to play at less than superlative form, and there were some wonderful solos as well, flute and cor anglais among them.

No centenary celebration of Shostakovich would be complete without his mighty Leningrad Symphony - and this was a performance to remember. Andrew Litton crammed more than 100 players from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on to the stage, with brass reinforcements up in the gallery, for a breathtaking display of power and poise.