In their two Proms under their new Swiss principal conductor, Thierry Fischer, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales concentrated entirely on French music. They opened their first programme by revelling in the lavish colours of Henri Dutilleux's 1997 The Shadows of Time, demonstrating what a vivid and precise ensemble they have become. The piece is immediately striking, even glamorous, though its underlying concept seems vague. Three Eton choristers - Joshua Cooter, Alex Eager and Alex Robarts - shone in the Anne Frank tribute that forms its tender centrepiece.

The French pianist Roger Muraro was the soloist in Ravel's Left Hand Concerto. His more delicate playing withdrew too far into itself, and the work's melodic profile and character were underplayed by both soloist and conductor. The programme ended with a limp account of Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, arguably the most volatile work in the 19-century repertoire, though one that needs far more rhythmic punch and sheer flamboyance than Fischer brought to it.

Some of this aimlessness spoiled Debussy's Prélude à l'Après-midi d'un Faune, which opened their second programme. The sounds were gorgeous, but this particular faun seemed a very dozy specimen indeed. Saint-Saëns' First Cello Concerto followed, with Steven Isserlis an undeniably committed soloist; but it's a tiresome piece and he could not make it otherwise.

Things picked up in the second half with the arrival of the BBC National Chorus of Wales and the National Youth Choir of Wales, who brought translucent tone and immaculate phrasing to Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine and Requiem. The latter was magically sung, with notable solo contributions from baritone Russell Braun and especially from 12-year-old treble William Dutton, who made something unforgettably touching out of the Pie Jesu.

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