CLASSICAL: THE FIVE BEST CONCERTS

1

Gotterdammerung today

Marvellous conducting from Bernard Haitink characterises the Royal Opera's Ring cycle. Add the brilliant Siegfried/Brunnhilde team of Siegfried Jerusalem and Hildegard Behrens and this should be a Twilight to remember.

Symphony Hall, Birmingham (02-22 3332) 4pm

2

Anne-Sophie Mutter 5 Oct

Accompanied by Lambert Orkis, one of the world's greatest violinists meets the challenge of Beethoven's 0 Violin Sonatas. Mutter delivers the first five, culminating in the Op.24 ("Spring").

Barbican Hall, London EC2 (07-628 889) 7.30pm

3

Daughter of the Regiment 4 & 6 Oct

English Touring Opera begins its season with this frothy Donizetti comedy. Ian Spink's production should further the interest in the composer.

Richmond Theatre, Richmond TW9 (08-940 0088) 7.45pm

4

Philharmonia tonight

John Woolrich is one of the finest British composers of his generation. His Cello Concerto receives its world premiere from the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, played by Steven Isserlis, with the Philharmonia conducted by Hugh Wolff.

St.Andrew's Hall, Norwich (0602 764764) 7.30pm

5

Women at the Hand of Fate 4 Oct

The dramatic soprano Dominique Hellsten teams up with accompanist David Roblou for an evening of musical theatre which moves from Gluck, via Messiaen, to brilliant young composer Naji Hakim's Phedre Cantata, here receiving its world premiere.

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