The evening belongs to Shostakovich, whose signature Symphony No. 5 in D minor (1937) is a BBC Proms favourite, and once again triumphantly brings down the Royal Albert Hall. Led by 24-year-old Finnish conductor Tarmo Peltokoski, regarded as the youngest star conductor in the world, the BBC Symphony Orchestra (BBC SO) receive a well-earned standing ovation. In particular, Daniel Pailthorpe’s exceptional flute playing, and Erika Othman’s incessant drumming, make for stand-outs amongst a most accomplished bunch. Exquisite.

The main event is tonight paired with Schoenberg’s troublesome Violin Concerto (1936), that has as many enemies as it does friends. Soloist Patricia Kopatchinskaja takes much delight in telling the audience, during her spoken prologue to the piece, that the concerto was called “ugly” by an early critic, and that the composer himself called for it to be “unplayable”.  If that’s the case, the player herself gives a masterclass. Dressed in a playful jumpsuit, and in bare feet, she plays like an imp, scratching away at the harsh and unforgiving melodies. A thrilling performance piece, but certainly ‘Marmite’ music.

A quick tonic of Vaughan Williams kicks off the evening, as a precursor to the harshness of Schoenberg and Shostakovich: the composer’s well-beloved hymn to England, Fantasia on Greensleeves (1934). The piece is played as expected, but with a beautiful lightness, so as to lean into the romance. It’s busy with emotive bowing, and leader Igor Yuzefovich is happy to oblige both composer and audience.

Tickets for all 73 Proms are available from just £8 on the BBC Proms 2024 website.