Joyce DiDonato Recital, Barbican Centre

Since debuting in 1998, Joyce DiDonato has been a radiant presence on international stages. The lyric-colorata mezzo-soprano, who served as the Barbican Centre’s Artist Spotlight for the 2013-4 season, will return to London for a solo recital that promises to ward off the winter chill. Tickets are still available, but we suggest booking well in advance.

Although the exact programme has yet to be announced, a wise punter would bet on a line-up that straddles the bel canto and baroque. Best known for her work on Handel, – in whose Ariodante she will star later in the venue's 2016-17 season – Mozart and Rossini, it is likely she will explore some of the lesser-known corners of this repertoire. These suspicions are compounded by the presence of Italian period ensemble Il Pomo d’Oro, who recently regaled the venue with Handel’s Tamerlano.

Whatever the final bill – and we’ll update you with this information as soon as it becomes available – DiDonato’s joyous presence and expansive voice is certain to make this a delight.