WHAT’S ON: Northern Sinfonia, The Sage Gateshead, 7.30pm, tomorrow. Peter Francomb playing Mozart’s Horn Concerto No 4. Box Office: 0191-443 4661.

REVIEWS: Purcell, O Solitude (Decca 4782262) Countertenor Andreas Scholl puts his ravishing spin on music by Henry Purcell, with a characteristic purity of tone and expressive depth. Among the many highlights are South the Trumpet, The Fairy Queen, When I am Laid in Earth and a pulsating rendition of the Gordian Knot Untied. An important addition to the repertoire.

Mozart: Mitsuko Uchida (Decca 4782596) One of the world’s foremost interpreters of Mozart, pianist Mitsuko Uchida joins the Cleveland Orchestra in performances of the composer’s Piano Concertos No 20 and 27. Highly recommended.

Alfred Brendel: Artists Choice (Decca 4782638) North-East audiences were privileged to see Brendel giving one of his last concert performances at The Sage Gateshead. This Anniversary Edition carries a personal selection as he marks his 80th birthday. The two albums include Beethoven’s Hammerklavier Sonata.

Decca have also released a birthday Tribute, with works by Brahms and Mozart.