There was electricity in the hall as András Schiff, seldom seen with a baton in his hand, ambled on to the podium, beaming with alarmingly intense bonhomie. Alert and clearly spellbound, the Philharmonia strings were poised and ready. Yet all this intensity was directed at the youthful experimentation of a 13-year-old boy.

Admittedly, the 13-year-old in question – Felix Mendelssohn – was celebrating his 200th birthday that day and, by his teens, could boast considerable experience composing and conducting his own music. His 10th String Symphony, though comprised only of a single sonata-form movement, is a beautifully sculpted thing, full of thoughtful detail, poise and drive.

Youth was also present in the form of the 18-year-old violinist Serge Zimmermann, making his London debut in Mendelssohn's violin concerto. Armed with a beautiful, varied tone and blistering technique, Zimmerman will go far. On the night, however, he rushed, pulling away from the orchestra and often upsetting his phrasing. Only in the cadenza, and occasionally in the slow movement, did Zimmerman's evident brilliance marry with Mendelssohn's intention.

Schiff performed the usually unremarkable second piano concerto, rising from the keyboard to direct an orchestra so clearly well rehearsed that this was more for enjoyment than necessity. Indeed, conducting from memory throughout, Schiff's deeply thoughtful musical vision brought out the very best in the orchestra and composer. After an inspired reading of the Italian Symphony and a well-deserved ovation, he bounded on and off the stage with all the sprightliness of his young protege.