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Imagine a gothic cathedral looming out of the mists; an impressionist landscape beneath pastel skies. And now picture Belle Époque Paris in all its bustle and glamour. That’s a very rough idea of what it’s like to hear César Franck’s towering Symphony in D minor – for decades, one of the world’s most popular classics. It’s a special favourite of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Symphony Orchestra guest conductor Elena Schwarz, and today she makes it the climax of a concert charged with colour and concentrated feeling.

Elzbieta Sikora’s explosive, atmospheric Five Miniatures create whole worlds out of pure sound; the musical equivalent of splitting the atom. And then the American soprano (and ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ New Generation Artist) Erika Baikoff sets sail for an imagined Asia in Ravel’s ravishing ³§³óé³óé°ù²¹³ú²¹»å±ð – three tales of far horizons and sensual longing, set to music as sweet as perfume and as tender as a kiss. The luminous heart of a passionate programme.