Classical round-up

We've got a lively musical week coming up, writes Neil Crutchley, with a seasonal treat from Tom Williams and the Leicestershire Chorale.

Hail Smiling Morn – Music for Advent and Christmas will feature a programme of compositions and arrangements that includes items by Benjamin Britten, Reginald Jacques, John Rutter, Peter Gritton, and Reginald Spofforth's rarely-heard Yorkshire Glee that gives the event its title.

The concert is at 8pm tomorrow in St. Philip's Church Evington Road, Leicester. Tickets (available at the door) are £10 and include mulled wine and mince pies.

On Saturday, there's a chance to hear Haydn's Nelson Mass. In 1800, it was performed in front of the Admiral himself while he was visiting Vienna. Saturday's performance will be given by the by the University of Leicester Sinfonia and the University Choral Society, conducted by Michael Sackin. The programme also includes Malcolm Arnold's Clarinet Concerto No.2 with soloist Alison Eales and C.P.E. Bach's Symphony in D major.

The concert is at Fraser Noble Hall, London Road, Leicester at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 with concessions at £6.

Next Wednesday at the same venue, it's the turn of the Knighton Chamber Orchestra conducted by Paul Jenkins. Their programme includes Saint-Saens' first cello concerto, with Andrew Bound as soloist, and Mendelssohn's G minor concerto for piano, with Samantha Ward. The concert ends with Mendelssohn's "Italian" Symphony. Ring 0116 252 2455.

Finally, next Thursday at 1.05pm, there's the New Walk Museum Lunchtime Concert featuring the virtuoso violinist Jan Stigmer and pianist Rob Van Heck performing Grieg's Violin Sonata Op.13, Bach's Chaconne from his 3rd Partita and encore pieces by great Austrian violinist Fritz Kreilser. Tickets are £7.50 each, concessions are £6.50. Call 0116 225 4920.