It is always mildly concerning when Richard Tognetti isn’t there on stage directing his hand-honed band of musicians. Whether he is away on leave or just taking a break, the task of directing Australia’s foremost orchestra sometimes has to fall to one of trusty colleagues.

When that person happens to be Timo-Veikko Valve, as it did in their touring concert ‘A Musical Awakening’, any questions lurking about how the ACO can keep up its high standards in Tognetti’s absence tend to vanish rather quickly. This Finnish-born cellist has what it takes, and audiences have seen numerous times before how he is right up to Tognetti in terms of musical intelligence and ability.

Directing from the cello is not always easy, but an undaunted Valve stepped up to the role with total assuredness. All eyes

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