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Dynamic finale makes up for limp beginning

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Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony

Cultural Centre Concert Hall

At one point last month, the San Francisco Symphony's visit to Hong Kong for this year's Arts Festival was in jeopardy because of a labour dispute. Luckily, the problem was resolved and under star conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, the orchestra opened the festival on Thursday with a rapturous performance of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No 4, in the first of three concerts.

But all did not go as promisingly. Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man showed off brilliant brass playing but the musicians were unable to project the expansive aural vista a more committed performance might offer.

In Stravinsky's Petrushka (1947 version), the orchestra sounded unfocused and without the piquancy the music called for.

Only pianist Robin Sutherland's playing showed more character and Tilson Thomas' masterly control finally began to tell a vivid story (of the return of Petrushka's ghost) in the final minutes.

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