sinfonia ViVA

Scottish conductor Garry Walker takes on this meaty Germanic programme, beginning with Haydn’s Symphony No. 70. Written in 1779, it was a striking return to form after some lukewarm reviews and shows Haydn at his vigorous best. Over a hundred years later, Brahms composed his ‘Double Concerto’, his last major orchestral work and a peace offering to the violinist Joachim. Brahms described it as his "strange flight of fancy...for fiddle and cello" but it was quite revolutionary in its day, the two soloists taking leading roles in an absorbing orchestral drama.

The novelist E M Forster famously proclaimed that ‘Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is the most sublime noise that has ever penetrated into the ear of man.’ A grand claim perhaps, but there’s no doubting the stature of this Romantic giant. From the fateful opening – sounded by the most famous four notes in classical music – to the triumphant finale, this is music with an irresistible sense of purpose.

Free pre-concert talk, 6.30pm in the auditorium: Professor Robert Pascall on Brahms's Double Concerto

After hours concert - 20 minutes after the main performance. Free admission to sinfonia ViVA tickets holder. £3 for non-ticket holders: Tine Thing Helseth and members of sinfonia ViVA performing Turnage, Pärt and Macmillan.