A muted passion

St John Passion English National Opera, London Coliseum Rating: * *

Celebrating symbiosis

The Oslo Philharmonic's relationship with its Latvian-born Music Director Mariss Jansons has been symbiotic. Under his leadership, the orchestra has become one of the most exciting in Europe; Jansons simi larly, has matured into a performer of alluring dynamism. This was one of the most thrilling concerts in London for some time.

Composer decides

Endymion Ensemble/ George Benjamin, Purcell Room, London ****

Technical knockouts

There are pianists who move, sway, grimace, even sing along as they play - enchanting for some listeners, irritating for others. Stephen Hough is quite different. His body barely moves, his face hardly even twitches. All the action seems to come from the fingers and the forearms. The surprise is in the power of the sound he makes: it is hard to see where the energy is coming from.

Unresolved argument

James Macmillan's Second Symphony could hardly be more contrasting in scale or scope from his first, Vigil. The earlier symphony was an attempt to depict the epic passions of the Easter story. This second work, half as long as the 50-minute Vigil, has humbler ambitions. Based loosely on Macmillan's early Piano Sonata, the symphony is inspired by poetic imagery of wintry Ayrshire landscapes. Macmillan's programme note controversially explains that this is intended as a metaphor for the lack of support for the arts in Scotland.

Preparation for Paris

Next weekend the Cité de la Musique in Paris opens its doors to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and its past and present music directors, Simon Rattle and Sakari Oramo.