pick of the week

THE CONCERT

Dido and Aeneas

The Purcell tercentenary continues with a concert version of Dido and Aeneas intriguingly coupled with Phaedra, the dramatic cantata by Benjamin Britten, the man who did so much to spearhead the Purcell revival. Della Jones and Michael George do the honours with Harry Christophers conducting The Sixteen.

Monday, Symphony Hall, Birmingham (0121-212 3333)

THE EXHIBITION

In Trust for the Nation

The National Gallery hosts a collection of more than 90 of the finest paintings held in National Trust houses across the country, ranging from full-length Van Dyck portraits to landscapes, Titian, Velasquez, and a collection of 17th-century Dutch masters.

Wednesday, National Gallery, London WC2 (0171-839 3321)

THE GIG

M People

The hit Mancunian dance band have been a firm fixture of the UK album charts for over a year with the album Bizarre Fruit, thanks to the best dance-pop sound since the Pet Shop Boys and the smoky vocals of Heather Small. A new single and a British tour stretching from Newcastle to Exeter.

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