Performer: Samuel Evans

There was a sense of celebration in the air at the Sage Gateshead, as the Northern Sinfonia orchestra and chorus began their tenth season under the direction of Thomas Zehetmair with an all-Mozart programme. The hall was full, and before welcoming Zehetmair to the stage, Sage General Director Anthony Sargent had a bit of fun showing off Hall One’s fancy new multi-coloured lighting effects.

The Royal College of Music’s International Opera School has long been a training ground for some of the world’s most famous opera stars.

This week, the annual London Handel Festival, now in its 34th year, opened with a new production of his opera Rodelinda.