WHAT'S ON: The Halle, conducted by Sir Mark Elder, at Sage Gateshead, at 7.30pm on Saturday, performing Strauss' Don Quixote and Elgar's Symphony No 2. Samling Academy Concert showcasing up-and-coming talent in region, at 7.30pm on Sunday. Box office: 0191-443 4661.

REVIEWS: The English Concert: Harry Bicket (Signum Classics SIGCD549)

The English Concert has been a leading light in the performance of baroque and classical music since it was founded by Trevor Pinnock in the 1970s. This recording, under their current Artistic Director Harry Bicket, highlights the close-knit relationship between the musicians of the ensemble and features an international range of soloists performing concertos by Dell’Abaco, Porpora, Telemann and more.

Schubert: Swansong

This CD is the second in Christopher Glynn’s Schubert in English series, translated brilliantly by Jeremy Sams. Pianist is joined by celebrated soloists Sir John Tomlinson, Sophie Bevan, Julian Bliss and Alec Frank-Gemmill for the composer’s Swansong (Swanengesang), On the River (Auf der Strom) and The Shepherd on the Rock (Der Hirt auf dem Felsen). SIGCD550

Calidore String Quartet: Resilience (SIGCD551)

The Calidore String Quartet present a collection of quartets by Janácek, Prokofiev, Golijov and Mendelssohn, chosen because of the composers’ endeavours to create great art despite tremendous internal or external conflict.