(Above) American-Jewish pianist Emanuel Ax. -- PHOTO: SSO

THE Esplanade Concert Hall was transformed into a Czech wonderland at the opening gala of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra's (SSO) 2008-2009 season, crowned with the formidable presence of American-Jewish pianist Emanuel Ax.

A Romantic-Impressionist programme of tone paintings and symphonic poetry was the order of the day, first with three pieces from Smetana's patriotic Ma Vlast (My Fatherland), then the much-anticipated Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2.

The orchestra displayed all the hallmarks of a promising world-class entity, showcasing expression and musicality infused with subtle maturity.

The roundly capable Shui Lan ensured that the music-making was always complementary, unified and unexaggerated.

From the harp's flowing arpeggios that opened the first poem (Vysehrad) to the jocund, light heartedness that characterised the second (Vltava), it was a joy to partake of the visions conjured by the SSO - dances, a farmer's wedding, a mighty fortress.

Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times' Life!