Czech Philharmonic/Bychkov

Some pieces are classics for a reason: Dvořák never wrote anything more immediate – or inspired – than his Ninth Symphony, which he conducted at the orchestra’s inaugural concert 125 years ago. And some artists are legends for a reason, too. Semyon Bychkov; the Czech Philharmonic; the Labèque Sisters…any of these names is worth the price of a ticket.

But this isn’t just a chance to savour the glowing sound of the Czech Philharmonic in music they were born to play, or to enjoy the inimitable joie de vivre of the Labèques in Mozart’s sparkling concerto. Semyon Bychkov has quietly emerged as a titan of the podium: a maestro in the great tradition, inspiring both affection and awe. When he conducts the rarely heard Mystery of Time – an incredible symphonic slow-burner – by the Czech dissident composer Miloslav Kabeláč, you’ll understand why.