Instrument: Oboe

Mozart and 1784 is the basis for this latest OAE venture, an engaging programme that highlights the flawless technique of 18th-century keyboard specialist Kristian Bezuidenhout.

****1

A double act: Roderick Williams delivers Mahler two ways

Alexander Hall, 19 Nov

Robert and Clara were not the only two-composer family. So were Alma and Gustav. The Nash Ensemble's latest programme highlights Beethoven and the Romantics.

***11

Albéric Magnard steals the show in all-French recital at Wigmore Hall

Nick Boston, 15 Nov

How many of Albéric Magnard's 22 works do you know? Jean-Efflam Bavouzet and the Orsino Ensemble perform his Quintet in D minor to Wigmore Hall and it becomes the sixth star of the evening.

*****

Ensemble 360 celebrates Vaughan Williams’ 150th anniversary in style

Phil Parker, 04 Nov

A generous helping of the pastoral and an overlooked early masterpiece demonstrate the range of Vaughan Williams, along with a work by his mentor, Maurice Ravel.

****1

Little-known gems as Ensemble 360 heads off-piste in Sheffield

Phil Parker, 17 Sep

One of the fathers of the wind quintet, a sextet for a unique instrumental line-up and Beethoven as we rarely hear him: an evening of surprises in Sheffield.

****1

A sonic meadow, with unusual reeds, at the Time:Spans festival

Kurt Gottschalk, 15 Aug

San Francisco’s Splinter Reeds, echoing the traditional wind quintet but eschews the non-reed instruments, makes its second ever New York City appearance, part of the Earle Brown Foundation’s Time:Spans Festival.

***11

Mythos Davos: gifted young artists featured at the Davos Festival

Sarah Batschelet, 12 Aug

The Davos Festival's programme, underscoring the extraordinary talents of some dozen young musicians, is a polished and highly inviting offer.

****1