Shakespeare at 400: Gala Concert, Royal Festival Hall

The Shakespeare at 400 season, which centres around concerts of music inspired by his work in both the Barbican and Southbank Centres, reaches its climax with the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Royal Festival Hall gala. Chief conductor Vladmir Jurowski, praised for his ability to inspire his ensemble to rousing heights, will be joined by a bevy of star soloists to perform the works of nine composers. Actor Simon Callow, Shakespeare devotee, will direct actors Dominic West and Anna Chancellor in their readings from the plays.

Verdi, Italian opera composer supreme, features twice on the line-up, with excerpts from both Otello and Falstaff bookending the concert. Two interpretations of Romeo and Juliet, from Berlioz and Prokofiev, are played in succession. Tchaikovsky’s rarely heard Hamlet promises to be a high romantic gem, while Mendelssohn’s delightful Midsummer Night’s Dream should add some whimsical colour to proceedings. The line-up is completed by a century-spanning run of British composers, from Walton and Vaughan Williams to Britten and Ades.

Alongside the Glyndebourne Chorus, vocals are to be delivered by five truly spectacular voices. There will be the baritone Simon Keenlyside and sublime coloratura soprano Allison Bell, tenor Ronald Samm and lyric soprano Kate Royal. And perhaps most excitingly of all, countertenor Iestyn Davies (Flow My Tears) makes yet another appearance in a packed 2015/16 season. Whether you’re a fan of the great playwright or the romantic repertoire, this looks to be a vibrant climax to an essential celebration.