THE FIVE BEST CONCERTS

The Proms 30 Aug

August Jaeger - the "Nimrod" of the Enigma Variations - hailed The Apostles as even more wonderful than the better known The Dream of Gerontius. Andrew Davis reveres it, too, and he has assembled a star-studded vocal line-up.

Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 (0171-589 8212) 7.30pm

The Proms 3 Sept

Not only does the Chicago Symphony Orchestra give the European premiere of Birtwistle's Exody in the first of their two Proms appearances, they also contrast the Birtwistle with Mahler's mighty 5th Symphony. Genuine depth of sound and thrilling playing from all departments.

Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 (0171-589 8212) 7.30pm

Bastien and Bastienne 29, 30 Aug

See Going Out Preview, p13

BAC, London SW11 (0171-223 2223) tonight, 7.45pm; 30 Aug, 6pm

The Mikado 31 Aug - 5 Sep

A colourful, fully-staged new production by the D'Oyly Carte of the ever-popular The Mikado is in the offing here, directed by Fenton Gray.

Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 (0171-960 4242) 7.30pm, Wed and Sat mats

Proms Chamber Music 31 Aug

Travel back in time 150 years to 1848, with words and music evoking that revolutionary year using compositions from Berlioz, Schumann and Liszt. In this Lunchtime Proms chamber music event, pianist Clifford Benson is joined by mezzo-soprano Louise Winter and reader Samuel West.

Lecture Theatre, V & A Museum, London SW7 (0171-589 8212) 1pm