ANDRE RIEU

Often referred to as the King of Waltz, Andre Rieu is a superstar violinist whose YouTube videos have been viewed in excess of one billion times. His Facebook account, meanwhile, is followed by 10 million fans, while sales of his albums have now topped the 40 million mark. 

Andre is also the creator of the 60-piece waltz-playing Johann Strauss Orchestra, which he conducts using his violin bow, mimicking the famous characteristics of Strauss himself. His concerts are well known for inspiring audience members to leave their seats and dance in the aisles, an activity which counts as something of a phenomenon at a classical music gig! 

The concert also features 16-year-old Dutch singer Emma Kok, whose performance of Voilà with André last year went viral, amassing more than 47 million views on YouTube.

Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, Friday 17 May

CZECH NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Now in its 31st year, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra is one of Europe’s top symphonic ensembles. 

With a repertoire that regularly encompasses both classical and contemporary, the orchestra this month visits the region to present a programme featuring works by Copland (Appalachian Spring), Beethoven (Piano Concerto No5 ‘Emperor’) and Smetana (Vltava). 

The concert concludes with Dvořák’s much-loved Symphony No8, a genial work packed with folk melodies and the sounds of the forest. The concert is conducted by Steven Mercurio (pictured).

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tuesday 21 May

THE LONDON TANGO QUINTET

“It’s fantastic fun,” says London Tango Quintet’s director & violinist, David Juritz, in talking about his experience of playing with the ensemble. “It’s even wild at times - but that’s not to say it isn’t challenging as well. To do it justice, you have to approach tango just as you would any other great music - with a sense of style and your total commitment, but also leaving enough freedom to experiment. 
“When it ‘happens’, you feel like you’ve been set free. It’s just exhilarating!”

Blackburn Theatre, Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury, Friday 24 May

THE ROMANTIC REVIVAL ORCHESTRA

‘Accessible music for all, brought to you by the young musicians of tomorrow’ is the name of the game for the Romantic Revival Orchestra (RRO), a brand-new ensemble of talented musicmakers that features (mostly current) Royal Birmingham Conservatoire students. 

Focusing on romantic repertoire, presented alongside new and contemporary tonal compositions, the RRO here bring their first season to a close, performing a programme that features new music alongside Dvořák’s Sixth Symphony and Wieniawski’s Second Violin Concerto performed by Maciej Rzepczyk (pictured).

CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Thursday 23 May

ELGAR FESTIVAL

This annual celebration of the life and music of Worcestershire’s most famous composer brings together orchestral, chamber, vocal, choral and relaxed concerts with exhibitions, talks and a number of first-time events. 

“Our aim is to bring the music of Elgar to everyone,” explains the festival’s artistic director, Kenneth Woods. “And what better way to do this than by continuing to introduce extra added-value initiatives. We are delighted to announce new additions and look forward to welcoming you all to what looks set to be our best festival yet!” 

Violinist Esther Abrami (pictured) will perform twice during the festival. To check out what else is happening across the event’s seven days.

Various locations in and around Worcester, Monday 27 May - Sunday 2 June

OLD WORLD SYMPHONY WITH THE CBSO & OKSANA LYNIV

Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyniv takes the helm for a concert which is promising ‘dark passions from the soul of Eastern Europe’. Osana’s fellow Ukrainian, Bohdana Frolyak, is one of three composers whose music (her adagio) features on the programme. 

The other two are Tchaikovsky - his Violin Concerto is performed by Andrii Murza - and Antonín Dvořák, whose Seventh Symphony completes the two-hour concert.

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wednesday 29 May