Barlines salutes the CBSO

I love Stephen Hough and I want his babies. I also want Andris Nelsons' babies. And Laurence Jackson's. And Eduardo Vassallo's. Hell, I want the whole of the CBSO's babies. I'm going to be up the duff for the next 50 years.

In case you hadn't worked out, last night's Prom was stunning. Hough was sensational in Tchaikovsky's unfairly neglected 2nd concerto (Why is this a neglected work??? WHY??????) as were leader Laurence Jackson and principal cello Eduardo Vassallo, who took pivotal roles in the gorgeous slow movement. Then after the interval, the orchestra, under the baton of new musical director, the impossibly young-looking Andris Nelsons, dispatched an awesome Firebird that was full of fairytale magic, power and delicacy, overwhelming Russianness, everything you could possibly want from this piece and more. Particular kudos to principal horn Elspeth Dutch, who was just fabulous.

After cheering like a madwoman, I staggered out of the hall to the bus stop in a complete daze. I still don't think I've quite woken up from it. And to think that you can get that experience for a mere £5...