THE National Symphony Orchestra launched its new season this week, with a lunch at the Grey Door restaurant. Highlights include chief guest conductor Alexander Anissimov conducting programmes with a heavy emphasis on Rachmaninov, a visit by the London Mozart Players, with a programme of Grieg, Mozart, Egar and Schubert, Brahms's four symphonies and a programme of "great classics", well loved works such as the overture from Beethoven's Fidelio and Mozart's overture to The Marriage of Figaro. There is a large range of impressive price discounts for early and multiple ticket buyers. Phone the National Concert Hall on 01-6711533 to book.

It has also been announced that NSO will tour to London's Festival Hall, Edinburgh's Festival Theatre and Glasgow's Royal Theatre in May with a programme of Gerald Barry, Beethoven, Ravel and Stravinsky, conducted by Kasper de Roo with solo pianist, Barry Douglas.