Music review: The Czech National Symphony Orchestra

PERHAPS it was tour fatigue or the absence of their regular conductor, Petr Altrichter, but the players in the Czech National Symphony Orchestra looked as if they were sleepwalking through this perfunctory performance at the Usher Hall. Even replacement conductor Ben Palmer seemed unable to coax any dynamism from the players. Only the principal horn, with his superb musicianship and enthusiasm, seemed to be engaged. His warm tone and beautiful phrasing stood out, eclipsing the efforts of everyone else on the stage.