Work: Symphony no. 5 in C sharp minor: Adagietto

Britten and Shostakovich rub shoulders at Kings Place in a programme that careers into darkness with the latter's desolate Fourteenth Symphony. 

With his impish grin, the Hungarian conductor revels in Mahler's “heavenly” Fourth Symphony as clothed in refreshing period instrument colours. 

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.