Classical: The Five Best Concerts

1

Tilson Thomas & the LSO Thur

Michael Tilson Thomas conducts the London Symphony Orchestra in Bruckner's unfinished, though still monumental, ninth symphony, prefaced by music from American pioneers Charles Ives and Carl Ruggles.

Barbican, London EC2 (07-638 889) 8pm

2

Death in Venice today

Britten's valedictory last opera in a semi-staged concert performance from the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier. Anthony Rolfe Johnson sings the gruelling role of writer, Gustav von Aschenbach.

Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, London SE (07-960 4242) 7.30pm

3

Marriner's 75th Birthday Gala Wed

Sir Neville conducts his Academy of St Martin in the Fields in Britten's Serenade for tenor, horn and strings and Mozart's Haffner Symphony.

Royal Festival Hall, London SE (07-960 4242) 7.30pm

4

Maurizio Pollini Thur

The master pianist pays a London visit as part of the Harrods International Piano Series. On the bill is Schubert's last Sonata, the imposing D960, plus keyboard music by Schumann.

Royal Festival Hall, London SE (07-960 4242) 7.45pm

5

The King's Consort Thur

Yet another eagerly-awaited instalment in Robert King's scrutiny of the music of Henry Purcell. Two Birthday Odes for Queen Mary are programmed, plus the Ode for St Cecilia's Day and the Suite from The Fairy Queen.

Wigmore Hall, London W (07-935 24) 7.30pm