RSNO: Mahler 6

The final movement of Mahler’s Sixth famously features three catastrophic blows with a giant mallet, spelling out the force of fate with devastating realism. Hear this magnificent symphony played by the RSNO under its deep- thinking music director Thomas Søndergård. As a brighter aperitif, Ingrid Fliter, above, plays Mozart’s sunny A major Piano Concerto ( the Mahler is in A minor), K488.

■ Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 10 May, 0131228 1155; Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 11 May, 0141- 353 8000