Sir Roger Norrington, one of the founding fathers of historically informed performance, has long produced striking and unforgettable interpretations of cherished masterpieces. The sensitivity of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s gossamer sound is the perfect match for Mendelssohn’s magical textures.

The Shakespearean theme is established in Berlioz’s languid Les nuits d’été, settings of six poems by French poet Théophile Gautier that pay affectionate homage to the great English dramatist. Celebrated Austrian mezzo soprano Angelika Kirchschlager is famed for the warmth and vividness of her readings, ideal qualities in these beautifully crafted songs of love, desire and longing.