The Independent Recommends: Classical

COMMISSIONED BY the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Harrison Birtwistle's major new large-scale orchestral work, Exody, receives its European premiere at the Proms tonight. Exody has a subtitle: "Sequences for 23:59:59", or "the second before midnight", as the composer says. Birtwistle (below) now plots Exody as the central panel of a triptych, further describing it as examining "a way out and a way in at the same time". Daniel Barenboim conducts.

Royal Albert Hall, London SW7

(0171-589 8212) 7.30pm

Tonight's recital by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra features an unusual array of pieces by Beethoven. On the programme is the Choral Fantasia, the Triple Concerto, and the complete incidental music Beethoven wrote to Goethe's play Egmont. The concert requires a large input of guests. Aside from the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, the Egmont music features soprano Sophie Daneman and narrator Peter Stein.

Usher Hall, Edinburgh (0131-473 2000) 7pm