CLASSICAL: THE FIVE BEST CONCERTS

1

Responding to Ellington today

Six very different composers - Nikki Iles, Louis Andriessen, Carla Bley, Simon Bainbridge, Poul Ruders and Gavin Bryars - respond to the spirit of the Duke, in the centenary of his birth, with commissions for the London Sinfonietta.

Queen Elizabeth Hall, London SE (07-960 4242), 5.30pm

2

50th Anniversary of the Council of Europe Tue

The Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg, under Jan Latham-Koenig, plays festive works by Poulenc, Franck, Vaughan Williams, Janacek and contemporary French composer Renaud Gagneux.

Barbican, London EC2 (07-638 889), 7.30pm

3

Royal Concertgebouw Tue

One of the world's greatest orchestras pays a visit to London with conductor Riccardo Chailly. Maurizio Pollini is soloist in Schumann's Piano Concerto followed by Mahler's First Symphony.

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

4

LSO Wed, Thur & Fri

Midori is the soloist in Bruch's Violin Concerto, with Mahler's powerful Fifth Symphony conducted by. Christoph Eschenbach.

Barbican London EC2 (07-638 889), 7.30pm (Wed & Thur); Dome, Brighton (0273 709709), 8pm (Fri)

5

Marat Bisengaliev Fri

Accompanied by Jania Aubakirova, the violinist presents a glittering programme of virtuoso showpieces, including Ravel's Tzigane, Brahms's Third Sonata, Prokofiev's First and a newly rediscovered rarity by Elgar.

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