By Clare Gabriel BBC News Online

There was no banner-waving but a really rousing performance when the Welsh Proms got under way in Cardiff's St David's Hall.

The 16th series of the music tradition masterminded by musical director Owain Arwel Hughes got underway on Thursday.

The artistic director led the nearly-packed auditorium and handful of promenaders at the front of a the stage in a rendition of the Welsh national anthem - Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau - before the entirely composed Halle Orchestra took over.

Owain Arwel Hughes: Artistic Director

The Halle, Britain's longest-established professional symphony orchestra, played with class the uplifting opening from Mozart's opening The Marriage of Figaro, in the first half and Brahms' First Symphony in the second.

In between they were joined by Brazilian pianist Jean Louis Steuerman for Beethoven's Piano Concerto Number 5.

The Emperor concerto, as it is known, is the most lofty and noble in Beethoven's stable of concertos.

Steuerman's flourishing interpretation delivered with panache gave a lift to what is a marvellous piece of music in its own right.

How encouraging it was too to see the pianist sitting in the choir behind the stage for the Halle's second half Brahms performance.

The Welsh Proms have been a tradition since 1986 - a smaller version of the Albert Hall event in London, but gaining in stature all the same.

This year, as the pink backdrop so proudly told the audience, the proms form part of the Cardiff Festival.

Flag-waving

They are also being used as an integral part of the Cardiff bid for the European Capital of Culture in 2008.

On Monday the event moves on to taste of Latin America, when the Salsa Celtica perform a World Music Prom.

Other highlights are the Best of British Prom featuring Elgar's Enigma Variations and Holst's The Planets, the Jazz Prom on Thursday, and Romantic Prom on Friday

But for all flag-waving, classical music lovers the highlight of the week is Saturday's Last Night of the Welsh Proms which will focus on new Welsh creations, alongside a performance from deaf musician Evelyn Glennie and the traditional Pomp and Circumstance.

If that doesn't get them dancing in the aisles - nothing will.

The Welsh Proms run until 27 July at St David's Hall, Cardiff