Wales feels a kinship with Finland; the legacy of the respective mythologies - the Mabinogion and the Kalevala - and the passionate sense of national identity reflected in music are the most obvious of the many cultural parallels. So the works of Jean Sibelius have a resonance for the Welsh, his Second Symphony in particular. Conductor Jac van Steen was clearly aware of this, and he elicited playing from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales that was both emotional and expansive.

This fervour was balanced by the Cantus Arcticus of Einojuhani Rautavaara. Although subtitled Concerto for Birds and Orchestra - with the song of arctic birds, recorded by Rautavaara himself, played on tape and their sounds imitated and developed into modal melodies by the wind instruments - the Cantus Arcticus is essentially a tone-poem in the Sibelius mould. It seemed an intensely Nordic triptych, evoking chilly waters and vast skies. To Van Steen's credit, he avoided any trace of sentiment, seeking instead a more elemental, almost mystical aura.

The centrepiece of this Swansea festival concert was Elgar's Cello Concerto. Soloist Paul Watkins' interpretation was characterised by a searing intensity. While this occasionally had the effect of subverting Elgar's wistful lyricism, it brought into sharp focus the moments of tragedy and compassion. With the evident sympathy between Watkins and Van Steen also prompting a wealth of tonal colours, this emerged as a performance of integrity, tailored perfectly to the scale and ambiance of the hall.

· The Swansea festival continues until October 20. Details: Swanseafestival.com