A critical Guide: Opera

Iolanta (Albert Hall, 071-589 8212, Mon). A concert performance of Tchaikovsky's one- act fairy tale, led by the Kirov stars responsible for Covent Garden's outstanding Eugene Onegin earlier in the year: Galina Gorchakova, Sergei Leiferkus, Gegam Grigorian, with Valery Gergiev conducting.

L'Incoronazione di Poppea (QEH, Wed & Fri). John Eliot Gardiner conducts a choice cast (Sylvia McNair, Anne-Sofie von Otter) in concert performances of Monteverdi's opera that will be recorded, live, by DG.

The Trojans (Barbican, 071-638 8891, Wed & Thurs). The continuing run of Berlioz's epic masterpiece, done in concert by the LSO under Colin Davis with Parts I and II spread across two nights. Alternatively, you can hear it in a single, marathon sitting next Sunday afternoon and evening, which is the final performance.