WHAT’S ON: The Houston Symphony, The Sage Gateshead, 7.30pm, Wednesday. Conductor Hans Graf gives a performance of Holst’s The Planets, featuring new images direct from NASA.

0191-384-4600.

REVIEWS: Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3 (Naxos 8.572305) The talented young Finnishborn Pietari Inkinen conducts the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in poetic and sweeping performances of his compatriot’s work. The first volume in a new series, it marks an auspicious start for Inkinen, who has just taken over the orchestra’s music directorship from James Judd.

Chopin: Piano Concerto No 2 (Naxos 8.572336) Using the new Polish National Chopin Edition, acclaimed pianist Eldar Nebolsin and Poland’s national orchestra conducted by the renowned Polish conductor Antoni Wit, present fresh interpretations of Chopin’s great works for piano and orchestra. The album includes the Second Piano Concerto and Variations on La ci darem la mano.

Mendelssohn Elias (Elijah) (Naxos 8.572228- 29) The magnificent oratorio brings to life the tumultuous times and personal drama of the Biblical prophet in a sweeping series of recitatives, arias and choruses. The album features a stellar cast of soloists headed by Ralf Lukas.

Gavin Engelbrecht