WHAT’S ON: The Northern Sinfonia, Mozart and Schubert quintets, The Sage Gateshead, 8pm, Wednesday. Box office: 0191-443-4661.

REVIEWS: Cecilia Bartoli: Sospiri (Decca 4782558) Mezzo-soprano Bartoli has championed the rediscovery of some of the more obscure works with her spectacular coloratura. In this CD she reveals the irresistibly sensual side of her art, presenting quieter arias. Containing works by Mozart and Handel and bel canto jewels by Bellini and Rossini, this is a must for devotees and initiates alike.

Juan Diego Florez, Santo (Decca 4782254) One of the world’s most sought-after opera stars, celebrates the festive Christmas season with a personal choice of sacred arias and songs, including favourites such as Panis Angelicus, Ave Maria and O Holy Night.

JS Bach: Christmas Oratorio, Riccardo Chailly (Decca 4782271) Riccardo Chailly conducts Leipzig’s famous Gewandhausorchester in Johann Sebastian Bach’s glorious collection of cantatas, otherwise known as the Christmas Oratorio. An outstanding vocal cast includes Martin Lattke as the evangelist, acclaimed English soprano Carolyn Sampson and the voices of the Dresdner Kammerchor.