International prizewinner, Estonian-born Mihkel Poll makes his d�but with Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra in a programme of classical greats. Plus The Ukrainian National Opera, Norwich Baroque and The Cavick Quartet.

NORWICH PHILHARMONIC

St Andrew's Hall, Norwich, February 4, �16-�6, 01603 628319, www.preluderecords.co.uk

The Norwich Phil has been a focus for high-quality amateur music-making in Norwich since its first performance in 1841. The choir and orchestra give four or five concerts a year from a diverse repertoire. International prizewinner, Estonian-born Mihkel Poll makes his d�but with Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra in a programme of classical greats.

A multiple prize-winner at several international competitions, Poll has given concerts around Europe and performed with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and Nordic Symphony Orchestra among others.

Currently a masters student at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he has also worked with conductors such as Eri Klas, Paul M�gi and Olari Elts. The programme includes Weber Oberon Overture; Brahms Piano Concerto No.1 and Rachmaninov's Symphony No.3.

www.norwichphil.org.uk

UKRAINIAN NATIONAL OPERA OF KHARKIV

Norwich Theatre Royal, February 5-7, �36.50-�6.50, 01603 630000, www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

With international sopranos Rosa Lee Thomas and Elena Dee, a highly-praised chorus and full orchestra, the Ukrainian National Opera arrives at the Theatre Royal with two productions. A tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music La Traviata (February 5-6) is Verdi's outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La dame aux Camelias. Highlights include the Brindisi, the best known drinking song in opera, the duet Un Di Felice and Violetta's haunting aria Addio del Passato. Korean soprano Elena Dee leads the cast in Madama Butterfly (February 7) is one of the world's most popular operas, telling the heart-breaking story of a beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.

www.ellenkent.com

NORWICH BAROQUE: AT HIS MAJESTY'S PLEASURE

Assembly House, Norwich, February 5, �20-�5, 01603 63000, www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk

Norwich Baroque was formed in 2006 to specialize in original and lively interpretations of music by popular and less well known Baroque composers; from Handel and Vivaldi to Capel Bond and Mudge. Much of the music they perform from the baroque period is made up of dance forms and At His Majesty's Pleasure sees them welcome early dance expert Sasza Zargowski for an afternoon of French elegance and dance. It's a chance to travel back in time to the court of Loius XIV and watch Sasza and his partner bring the music to life in the ideal setting of the Noverre Ballroom. If you've ever wondered how a bouree differs from a polonaise, a chaconne, an allemande or a passacaglia, now's your chance to find out.

www.norwichbaroque.co.uk

DON'T MISS

CAVICK STRING QUARTET

St Andrew's Church, Eaton, February 5, 3pm, �7 (�3.50 students), children free, www.eatonconcertseries.co.uk

The Eaton Concert Series continues with the Cavick Quartet, formed by leading Norfolk string players with a shared passion for chamber music in 2009, performing a programme that includes works by Haydn, Turina and Dvorak.

CITY OF LONDON SINFONIA: CONQUERING THE ANTARCTIC

Cambridge Corn Exchange, February 4, �33.50-�25.50, 01223 357851, www.cornex.co.uk

This unique concert retraces the steps of Captain Scott's ill-fated expedition to the South Pole in music, images and words. Excerpts from Vaughan Williams' film score Scott of the Antarctic will be interwoven with Cecilia McDowell's new piece setting music to words by poet Se�n Street.