I was joined by some of my Meetup friends at the ESO's concert yesterday at the new Elgar Hall at the University of Birmingham. Tamsin Waley-Cohen played the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto - a brilliant performance of a piece that's so familiar, yet she found new things to say.  I had goosebumps and was thrilled by her virtuosity and the excitement of the ESO'S orchestral accompaniment.  Beethoven's 7th Symphony followed in the second half,  described by conductor Ken Woods as "all about rhythm".  I could hardly stay in my seat - some may have found the speeds shockingly fast but it all made sense to me.

The Elgar Hall is small enough for the audience to feel part of the music and the acoustic is excellent. It's easy to get to as the university train station is close by. I'll certainly be going back to hear the ESO there again.