After an extensive summer tour, it is a delight to welcome the SCO back to Edinburgh for what promises to be an exciting new season. Tonight, under conductor John Storgårds, they present one of Beethoven’s signature works alongside one of his later overtures, followed by Schumann’s vivid and contrasting 3rd Symphony. Such a programme calls for a venue in which to show off a little, a venue well chosen in Greyfriars Kirk.

The well placed opening chords of Beethoven’s overture ’Consecration of the House’ are possibly slightly too resonant, but the movement soon finds its feet and the sound fills the considerable space. The string section is tightly bound as always, and the wind punctuate the sound with characteristic clarity.

An air of anticipation can be detected among audience members as soloist Simon Trpčeski joins the orchestra for Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ concerto. They aren’t to be disappointed as the opening reveals rich, crystal clear piano colours. Trpčeski presents the opening cascades in an almost relaxed manner, before the orchestra glide into the main theme. The wind are prominent throughout, passing solo lines between sections with enviable efficiency. The third movement seems to suit Trpčeski more than the serene second, with its robust main theme dominating the sound of the ensemble. His powerful sound is pervasive throughout amazing dynamic contrast between the two halves of the vigorous subject, and similarly at the close when the sounds fades to nothing, only for a final unexpected return of splendour from the ensemble.

Schumann’s ‘Rhenish’ Symphony brings the ensemble together as the composer pays homage to various events in his life. The Beethoven-esque pastoral opening of the Scherzo brings the wind section into its own, and the fanfare in the fourth movement rings beautifully. The Schumann seems more suited to both orchestra and performance space. Perhaps this is due to the inevitable warm up which occurs during the first two works, or alternatively simply personal preference to the work. Either way, this closing work speaks volumes of what we are to expect from the SCO over the coming months.