CLASSICAL: THE FIVE BEST CONCERTS

1

Elgar's Second tonight

Warming up for the Proms, Sir Andrew Davis directs the BBC Symphony Orchestra in a programme of Mark-Anthony Turnage's Momentum and Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, before the full glory of Elgar's Second Symphony.

Town Hall, Cheltenham (0242 227979) 8pm

2

An Elizabethan night tomorrow

Philip Pickett and his Musicians of the Globe have devoted themselves to English music of the 6th and 7th centuries, and here celebrate music from the time of Elizabeth I.

Purcell Room, South Bank, London SE (07-960 4242) 7.30pm

3

Michael Nyman Mon

The Michael Nyman Band in a concert which concentrates on the composer's film scores, including music from Ravenous and The Ogre.

Royal Festival Hall, London SE (07-960 4242) 8pm

4

The Fairy Queen Thur

A staged version of Purcell's great semi-opera given by the period- instrument King's Consort conducted by the ever-scrupulous Robert King.

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

5

Proms opening concert Fri

Michael Tippett's The Mask of Time is a suitably expansive and adventurous choice to open this year's Proms season. Sir Andrew Davis conducts the BBC SO & Chorus.

Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 (07-589 822) 7.30pm