The epic drama of love and power in Wagner’s Ring cycle is perhaps at its most movingly human in the second instalment, The Valkyrie. The stormy passion of Sieglinde and Siegmund’s love affair dominates Act 1 and here makes a wonderful start to the BBC SSO’s season. In Donald Runnicles, the orchestra is fortunate to have a world renowned Wagnerian as its Chief Conductor and, aided by three fine singers, he will bring all his experience and mastery to bear on this great work. As if that wasn’t enough, outstanding young violinist Janine Jansen joins him for another tempestuous Romantic masterwork, Sibelius’s Violin Concerto.

6.45pm Pre-Concert Prelude (in the Recital Room): James Naughtie, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme since 1994, and passionate opera-lover, in conversation with Donald Runnicles, Chief Conductor BBC SSO.