THERE seems to be a new wave of confidence sweeping its way along Hope Street. For the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, that was summed up in Opening Flourish, the first concert of the all-important 2007-8 season, the first of the two seasons overlapping the Capital of Culture year.

That confidence was no more evident than in the fact that two world premieres took up the bulk of the first half and, far from scaring audiences away, the hall was comfortably full, a far cry from the experience of recent years.

The two pieces were by Liverpool-born composers – Kenneth Hesketh, the Philharmonic’s Composer in the House, and John McCabe.

Hesketh’s A Rhyme for the Season was a vibrant work, absolutely bursting with energy and passion. Occasionally contemplative, especially in the middle section, the verve with which the RLPO was instantly imbued by conductor Vassily Petrenko set the scene for what was an exciting overture to the season.

McCabe’s Symphony: Labyrinth was an altogether more substantial work, inspired by the enigma which is Joseph Williamson and those unexplained tunnels which burrow their way through large parts of Liverpool.

Again, from a contemplative start, this complex piece also tested the RLPO and yet we heard them at their best. The numerous solos which the composer demanded were handled excellently and this, McCabe’s Seventh Symphony, is certainly worth a second hearing.

Ravel’s ravishing Sheherazade was the most disappointing part of the concert. The harmonic beauty and refined orchestration were rather let down by soprano soloist Kate Royal, who was often completely overwhelmed by the orchestra. The RLPO and Petrenko really came into their own in the second half where they performed Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances.

Judging from the rousing reception offered to both conductor and orchestra, a new chapter is about to open at the Philharmonic. It’s been a long time coming, but it looks as though the corner has been turned.

* THE recorded concert is on BBC Radio 3 at 7pm tonight.