The multi-million refurbishment of the Roundhouse has as yet done shamefully little for classical music. Seizing a golden opportunity, the National Youth Orchestra, under its incoming director, Sarah Alexander, became the first symphony orchestra to take advantage of the recreated space, pursuing its mission to bring classical music to new audiences.

The goal may be admirable but there were problems. At least from the circle level, it proved difficult to hear detail clearly or to get a grip on the sounds from the stage. Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet should have been far more spiky and rhythmically pungent.

Much of the fault may have been conductor James MacMillan's. While the programme (which also included Britten's Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes and MacMillan's own Vigil Symphony) was challenging, one never felt these talented young players were being stretched interpretatively or encouraged to dig deep.

The MacMillan symphony was dispiriting, as were his own introductions to each piece, scripted and dully delivered.

Alexander has a persuasive vision for the role of the NYO in the 21st century but needs to look carefully at questions of venue and conductor.