Don't miss the season's biggest classical-music offering, Midsummer Classics 2002, a series of light music concerts featuring composers from Italy, Norway and Russia. This year's highlight is the Budapest Concert Orchestra, led by music director Tamas Gal (above) and Hong Kong's Yip Wing-sie. Six concerts under a different geographical theme each night makes this an unforgettable journey. Passione Italiana on August 5 is all Verdi and Puccini's opera arias. A Nordic Fantasy on the following night will feature works from Grieg and Sibelius. Slav Romance on August 7 is devoted to the music of Russia and Bohemia - think Smetana and Tchaikovsky. American Sketches on August 9 pays tribute to the Stars and Stripes with Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue and Bernstein's West Side Story. Hungarian Rhapsody on August 10 highlights Brahms' Hungarian Dances. Finally, A Night In Vienna on August 11 wraps up the festivities with soothing sounds of favourites such as On The Beautiful Blue Danube and the Emperor Waltz. All tickets are priced between $70 and $220 and available from Urbtix at 2734 9009. Programme inquiries, call 2268 7321
