Artiste: Steven Hudson

Lars Vogt and Royal Northern Sinfonia deliver Beethoven's Symphony no. 9 with swaggering self-confidence, and heroic chorus singing.

Royal Northern Sinfonia's popular Conductor Laureate Thomas Zehetmair makes a well-received return visit to Sage Gateshead, with symphonic music ranging from an exquisite jewel by Webern through to a fizzing performance of Schubert's "Great" Ninth.

Great musicality from Royal Northern Sinfonia in deceptively simple Pärt and a fearsomely demanding piece by John Tavener.