Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | The Wasps: overture

A memorable evening of superb music-making at the Royal Festival Hall, illuminating two well-known Vaughan Williams scores and shining a light on a seldom performed rarity.

A novel presentation of Beethoven's "Pastoral" Symphony and other pieces transported us to the countryside thanks to fine playing from Kristīne Balanas and Ben Palmer.

Hallé guest conductor Cristian Măcelaru provided excellent direction in a selection of classic repertoire.

A delectable programme from Barry Wordsworth and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with pieces by Elgar and Vaughan Williams and a rare chance to hear John Ireland’s eclectic Piano Concerto.

Benjamin Northey and Andrea Lam team up with the MSO for a festive evening of Vaughan Williams, Chopin and Holst.

Elder and Elgar prove to be a winning cominbation at the Chicago Symphony.

Vaughan Williams and Finzi given the Philharmonia treatment with John Wilson at the helm at the Royal Festival Hall.

This concert seemed to be an object lesson as to why Vaughan Williams is a great composer. It contained three contrasting pieces, each one demonstrating the composer’s ability to create atmosphere and capture the attention of audiences by the scruff of neck.

Those of us who are regulars at the Royal Albert Hall know how difficult it can be for an orchestra and choir to really fill that enormous space with sound.