The Centre Stage programme of chamber-scale events at the CBSO Centre continues to provide unique experiences for Birmingham audiences while the core repertoire is constantly renewed at Symphony Hall.

Polish conductor Michal Dworzyñski made Thursday afternoon’s concert of familiar pieces an exhilarating occasion.

Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony had a robust sense of confidence and vigour, and the CBSO’s sparkling strings excelled in the high-speed bustle of the finale, along with pattering timpani, chattering woodwind and pervading high spirits.

The crisp brilliance of Russian pianist Alexander Kobrin produced a well-structured account of Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini, the celebrated 18th variation suitably sweeping but not lingered over, allowing the work’s proper climax to arrive in a rousing display of virtuosity.

Most impressive was Dvorák’s New World Symphony – approached with symphonic rigour as well as long-breathed lyricism. The largo was tender and simple with beautifully controlled string playing; both in providing a delicate cushion for Christine Pendrill’s lovely cor anglais solo and later in the solo strings musings just before the theme’s final return.

This was a gripping performance with all the power and dramatic drive that this great piece demands. Dworzyñski is a dynamic conductor who I hope we will hear again.