In an age of jetsetting maestri, Valery Gergiev is the arch-multitasker. No promoter feels safe until Gergiev’s actually on the rostrum but once there, his absorption and charisma are all-encompassing.

Last night’s programme, opening the new LSO season, was a well-conceived one, juxtaposing Debussy and Ravel with a score by France’s senior living composer, Henri Dutilleux, whose aesthetic is rooted in that of the old masters. At different points, his music recalls the harmonies of Debussy, the elegance of Ravel and the motoric rhythms of Stravinsky.

Dutilleux’s L’Arbre des Songes (The Tree of Dreams) is effectively a violin concerto but one in which reminiscence and enchantment have priority over virtuosity. Leonidas Kavakos did full justice to both aspects, earning an ovation for not only himself but also the frail 93-year-old composer, who rose in his seat to acknowledge it. Happily, the LSO is to bring us more of Dutilleux’s refined mastery over the coming season.

When Gergiev conducted Debussy’s La Mer two years ago, his reading seemed unduly overwrought, with ear-shattering climaxes, and marred by his tendency to spotlight textural detail. This time the latter tendency was again present, though he was more successful in grading the dynamics so as to give at least some impression of the play of light and shade. Still a bit like having one’s nose up against a Turner canvas though.

The sultry, sensual score of Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe — evoking “the Greece of my dreams”, according to the composer — was handled more stylishly, Gergiev and the excellent LSO properly holding something in reserve for the magnificent sunrise and exhilarating coda.

Debussy and Ravel repeated Thursday. Information: 0845 120 7591, www.lso.co.uk .