A top European orchestra performs in Finsbury this weekend.

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, from Amsterdam, is giving a show at the Barbican, in Silk Street, on Saturday night.

Under the direction of conductor Mariss Jansons, the orchestra will play a programme of works by Richard Strauss, comprising Also sprach Zarathustra, Metamorphosen and Der Rosenkavalier Suite.

Then on Sunday, Mr Jansons will give a public lecture on conducting at LSO St Luke’s, in nearby Old Street.

On the days before and after the concert, musicians from the orchestra are holding master classes for musicians of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, which the public can come and watch for free.

The Concertgebouw Orchestra, founded in 1888, is one of the leading orchestras in Europe and was voted No 1 by a poll in 2008.

n For tickets, call 0845 120 7550.