The fireworks were soon flying after what looked like a low-key beginning to Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra's new season.

The signs were there as Barry Wordsworth struck up the first piece in his 100th concert with the BPO.

Prokofiev's Classical Symphony was a showcase for the majestic sound of the BPO's strings.

Played smoothly and elegantly but with that distinctly Russian pulse, the musicians of the BPO, under leader John Bradbury, quickly showed they were revitalised by their summer break.

The febrile energy of Italian pianist Davide Franceschetti was also invigorating.

Franceschetti does not so much play a piano as smoothly seduce it with gentle caresses and then beat it into submission.

His reading of the Grieg Piano Concerto was magnificent and revealed why he has won so many awards and prizes, including a silver medal at the Leeds International Piano Competition.

He discarded his natural sunny demeanour for all the demands of this piece, which is so descriptive of northern Europe.

The forests, the frozen lakes and isolation of Norway were all there.

This was very exciting stuff. Franceschetti is an emphatic, enthusiastic player with technique aplenty and he gave a performance to remember.

Maestro Wordsworth and his players gave able support to Franceschetti and were no slouches on their own with a sparkling reading of Dvorak's Symphony No 7.

Back in the Dome for its first full season since its refurbishment, the BPO are bang on form.