An ornithological theme runs through two of the featured works here. In Respighi’s ‘The Birds’ the orchestra imitates the hen and the nightingale, while in Messiaen’s ‘Oiseaux Exotiques’ (‘Exotic Birds’) for piano and small orchestra, you can hear the wood thrush, Baltimore oriole, Virginia red cardinal, grey catbird and mockingbird. The ever-reliable Shane Thio tickles the ivories in the latter, while Huang Mengla plays solo violin in Bernstein’s Serenade. Come early for a pre-concert talk (6.30pm, Library @ Esplanade).

Tickets available here.