Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | Alan Fearon

A disappointing performance of motets by Bach and Bruckner is rescued by an imaginative and evocative new work by John Casken, performed by Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia and flautist Juliette Bausor.

Soloists from Samling Scholars and Samling Academy join Royal Northern Sinfonia and Chorus for this year's performance of Handel's Messiah at Sage Gateshead.

Percy Grainger, the Australian composer of Country Gardens, was a highly original musician, but is often overlooked. This year, however, to mark the 50th anniversary of his death, Northern Sinfonia have put on several performances of his work, first at the Proms, and now a weekend of concerts at the Sage.

Two characters were already on the stage as the audience arrived in Hall Two of the Sage, clearly preparing for something. “Joe” wanders around in agitation, now mentally going over his lines, now raising his head and planning his declamation.