Classical: The Five Best Concerts

1 Thielemann/Philharmonia today & Thur

The young German maestro gives two concerts with the Philharmonia. Tonight, it's Brahms's First Piano Concerto and Schumann's Second Symphony, while Thursday culminates with Brahms's Fourth Symphony.

Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 (0171-960 4242) 7.30pm

2 Semele Mon

Eagerly-awaited new ENO production of Handel's masque, with a text by Congreve. Already given to critical acclaim in France and Belgium, Robert Carsen's production is conducted by Harry Bicket and features Rosemary Joshua in the title role.

Coliseum, London WC2 (0171-632 8300) 7pm

3. Mozart Mon

Paul Daniel conducts the period-instrument Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in an all-Mozart programme of the Symphony No 25, Masonic Funeral Music and the Requiem.

Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 (0171-960 4242) 7.30pm

4

CBSO Tue & Thur

Richard Strauss's Don Juan, Brahms's Violin Concerto and Nielsen's turbulent Fifth Symphony. Sivia Marcovici is the soloist, Paavo Jarvi conducts.

Symphony Hall, Birmingham (0121-212 3333) 7.30pm

5

Felicity Lott & Graham Johnson Tue

The soprano and her piano accompanist present "The Story of Clara Wieck and Robert Schumann" through the couple's songs, with narration from speaker Gabriel Woolf.

Wigmore Hall, London W1 (0171-935 2141) 7.30pm