WHAT’S ON: Opera North, the Gypsy Bible, Sage Gateshead, 8pm, Saturday. Box Office: 0191-443-4661. A dark tale, suitable for ages 11 and above, this folk opera weaves together tales from across Europe through wild gypsy rhythms and kaleidoscopic array of virtuosic playing and song.

REVIEWS

Bach and Beyond Collegium Japan (BIS-CD-9036/39)

This Limited Edition release, featuring the Japanese master musician Masaaki Suzuki, represents unrivaled value for money. A collection of 15 CDs for the price of four, it contains a wide-ranging survey of Baroque vocal and instrumental works. Included are Bach cantatas, such as the Coffee Cantata, as well as a number of concertos and Suzuki’s acclaimed 1997 Goldberg Variations. Performances of Monteverdi’s Vespers and Handel’s Messiah are superlative, while Swedish Dan Laurin presents a dazzling disc of Vivaldi Recorder Concertos.

The Sibelius Edition: Choral Music (BIS-CD- 1930/32)

This complete works for male, mixed, female and children’s choir a cappella and with piano/accordian accompaniment includes Rakastava, Venematka, Sydameni and the Finlandia Hymn. Featuring leading exponents of Sibelius, many are previously unreleased and world premier recordings.