THE RENOWNED Dresden Staatskapelle of Saxony make their first concert appearance in Cardiff this January with a recital of Strauss' Also sprach Zarathustra, and Brahms' Symphony No 2.

Brahms' second symphony is one of the sunniest and relaxed of all his works and together with Strauss' Also sprach Zarathustra - with its famous opening bars used by Stanley Kubrick, in 2001 - this promises to be a varied and uplifting programme.

Both works are at the core of the Dresden Staatskapelle's musical soul, and in fact the composers are inextricably linked to this famous orchestra, having each conducted it during their careers.

The conductor for this performance, Ion Marin, is billed as one of the most exciting around today. His reputation comes from guest- conducting throughout the world, with the London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra National de France, and Tokyo Philharmonic among others.

The Dresden Staatskapelle of Saxony visit St David's Hall on January 22. The performance starts at 7.30pm, and tickets are priced at £8.50-£30.