NORTH-EAST conductor and entertainer John Wilson returns to Sage Gateshead at the weekend for a Classic FM Matinee series.

The concert, featuring lighter classics will take audiences around the two great continents of Russia and America, at 3pm on Sunday (October 5).

The Gateshead-born conductor's appearance follows hot on the heels of a number of sold-out engagements with the John Wilson Orchestra in London, notably in the BBC Proms.

Russian Fantasy on Sunday delves into the rich and dramatic sound world of 19th and early 20th century Russia with Borodin’s lyrical Prince Igor Overture, Tchaikovsky’s sweeping Sleeping Beauty Suite and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Cappriccio Espagnol.

Denis Kozhukhin, a Russian star regularly appearing on the international orchestral circuit, performs Rachmaninov’s enchanting Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini – a work which provides a challenge for any audience not to be swept off their feet.

In the New Year, Wilson returns with some American-sized musical portions, including John Adams’ Chairman Dances, Gershwin’s bluesy Piano Concerto in F major and Bernstein’s rocket-fuelled Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.

In March 2015, another local lad loved in the region, Sir Thomas Allen joins Wilson as he sings a number of traditional ditties and relaxed English operetta arias.

The matinee programme is part of Sage Gateshead’s Classic FM series, Royal Northern Sinfonia being the national radio station’s orchestra in the North-East.

Tickets £10 to £33. Box office: 0191-443-4661.