Work: Messiah, HWV 56: Pastoral Symphony

Familiar works by Bach, Handel and Corelli were enhanced by a fine performance of Mendelssohn's rarely played String Symphony no. 7.

What better antidote to the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping than a sackful of festive concertos? With Birmingham’s famous German market in full swing right outside the Town Hall, inside was also packed with concertgoers of all ages eager to hear celebrated violinist Nicola Benedetti.