Add to that the BPO's own principal harpist Emma Granger featuring in Debussy's somewhat haunting Danse Sacree et Danse Profane and Handel's Harp Concerto in B flat, and the Dome was really the only place to be on Sunday afternoon - when others opted for what would be for me, early Christmas shopping.

It was a landmark occasion for BPO conductor Barry Wordsworth, being his 150th concert with the orchestra, although the big celebration comes next year when his 60th birthday is celebrated with a February concert featuring some of his much-loved ballet music.

Wordsworth was reappointed music director of the Royal Ballet this year after holding that prestigious post for five years from 1990 and it is no surprise he draws on many of the Covent Garden musicians to make up the excellent BPO.

Emma Granger is co-principal harpist at the Royal Opera House and delighted the audience in her third appearance out front with the BPO.
But as enchanting as the harp pieces were, providing tasty fillings to the sandwich, it was Beethoven's Symphony No 1 and Mozart's No 40 that provided the real substance of the feast.

The BPO and their music director were in good form, as they have been all season, so a few hours off from festive shopping would be highly recommended on Sunday December 9 when trumpet sensation Alison Balsom joins them in a programme featuring Beethoven's No 2 plus Butler, Walton and Hummel.