Classical music lovers have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see one of the world's great orchestras and its almost legendary conductor.

In what must be counted as something of a coup, the Kirov Orchestra and Valery Gergiev present a programme of Russian music at the Dome next Monday evening.

The orchestra is one of the oldest musical institutions in Russia, funded as the Marinsky under Peter the Great and named the Kirov during the Soviet era. It has been at the top of the league ever since.

In Gergiev, it has a leader with a reputation to rival that of Sir Simon Rattle. He comes lauded with praise.

Born in Moscow in 1953, Gergiev is a graduate of the Leningrad Conservatoire and took over the Kirov Orchestra in 1978.

He was named a People's Artist of Russia and has won numerous awards both within and outside Russia.

He brought the Kirov Opera to Britain for an extensive season at the Royal Opera House and was highly praised by critics and the public at this year's Proms when he led his orchestra in a stunning concert version of Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov.

One critic wrote: "Gergiev touches on something deeper. He produces a spontaneous rush of emotion, a communal celebration of sound.

"He can form an idea of the music's emotional texture and bring it viscerally to life."

For tickets, call 01273 709709.