WHAT’S ON: Orchestra North East conducted by Thomas Blunt, Gala Theatre, Durham, at 3pm on Sunday.

Programme includes Tchaikovsky’s first piano concerto performed by Gulsin Onay. Box office: 3000-266600.

REVIEWS: Orff: Carmina Burana (LPO- 0076) THE London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Hans Graf, give a blistering rendition of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, featuring soprano Sarah Tynan, tenor Andrew Kennedy and baritone Rodion Pogosov. A worthy addition to the discography.

Into the Ravine, Carducci Quartet (Signum Classics SIGCD350) THE dynamic Carducci Quartet present premiers of a selection of contemporary music. Michael Berkeley’s Oboe Quintet Into the Ravine, features brilliant playing by oboist Nicholas Daniel. The album is rounded off with John McCabe’s String Quartet No 7 and Adrian Williams’ String Quartet No 4.

Compelling playing.

The Veil of The Temple: John Tavener (Signum Classics SIGCD367) THE Choir of the Temple Church and Holst Singers with the Brass Ensemble of the English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Layton, capture the concert-version of this epic eight-hour work. It was conceived to last through the night until dawn, in the spirit of the grand vigils of the Orthodox Church.

Tavener regarded it as the supreme achievement of his life. A must for devotees.