Richard Ashby
Those of us that have stood together in the Arena regularly for so many years were in total agreement that this was one of the 'great' proms so far this year. Kriikku's virtuosic performance of this amazing Clarinet concerto was stunning. We recovered our breath during the interval in anticipation of hearing - yet another - performance of Rachmaninov's second symphony. Scoreless, and in total control, Semyon Bychkov teased out each and every nuance of this beautiful music. Great stuff from the BBC SO who were lifted - as indeed we were - to heights rarely achieved with other conductors.

Dr John Scott
The Lindberg clarinet concerto was the most extraordinary piece for this instrument that I have ever heard. Truely virtuosic but also most moving in a very special way. The composer had pushed the extremes of this instrument's range to hitherto unheard-of limits. Kari Kriikku brought it to life in a manner which very few players, past and present, could possibly have done.The performance of Rachmaninov 2 was also memorable. I heard detail that I had never heard before and of course the clarinet solo in the second movement rarely fails to move. The BBC Symphony principal clarinet was exceptional here.

Nick Mercer
An incredible evening. Although I enjoyed the Stravinsky it was the Lindberg piece that really got me. Kriikku's clarinet so entranced me I completely forgot about the trio next to me eating crisps and talking. (I moved. This is the beauty of being in the arena - one possesses the luxury of mobility). There were similiarities in structure and sensibility with John Adams' "My Father Knew Charles Ives" last year. In the final section it was the ghosts of Coltrane and company rather than Mozart that prowled the stage. Afterwards, the Rakhmaninov 2nd seemed to pass in a glorious flash. Semyon Bychkov's conducting radiated empathy and brought a warmer, deeper palette to the BBC Symphony Orchestra. And all this for a fiver.

K Sloane
Beautiful performance of Rachmaninov's Second Symphony, the BBC Symphony Orchestra were in top form. This is one of the greatest works of the 20th century and was performed with great skill and care and attention to detail, more dynamics than are usually evident when this piece is performed, allowing the listener to appreciate sme of the countermelodies and backings which don't always shine through. An excellent performance of some of the most achingly beautiful music ever written.

D. C. Burningham
Didn't like the clarinet concerto at all! The Stravinski and Rakhmaninov were wonderful. Loved conductor, we were in choir seats, so got a good view.

Scott Cooper, Oldham
Well I have to say I was very impressed with the Lindberg Clarinet Concerto, what a piece! I thought there were bits of everything in there. There was smooth romanticism from Tchaikovsky as parts of the first movement sounded like one of Tchaikovsky’s ballet scores, next there was Shostakovich and Lindberg was using the style of writing used similarly in Shostakovich’s symphonies. Part of the concerto sounded like it was going to burst into Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the amount of jazz! Finally, did I hear part of Stravinsky’s very own Scherzo Fantastique in the last movement…? Good to hear some music from my favourite composer Stravinsky, a warm up for things to some in over a week’s time when I visit the Royal Albert Hall for the first time…To round off a brilliant evening was a not "too" heavy symphony by Rachmaninov. Wonderful stuff!