Marking his 60th Prom, John Eliot Gardiner directs the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists in a celebration of the early works of Handel and Bach. Mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg is the soloist in Handel's Donna, che in ciel, which is followed by Bach's Easter cantata Christ lag in Todes Banden. The Prom culminates in Handel's Dixit Dominus. Presented by Petroc Trelawny from the Royal Albert Hall.

Bach's profound choral masterpiece, the St Matthew Passion, transcends eras and faiths with its exploration of courage, compassion, sacrifice and redemption. Here it headlines at the Royal Albert Hall in a performance by period instrument ensemble Arcangelo, directed from the harpsichord by Jonathan Cohen. They are joined by a double choir and a stellar line-up of soloists, including Iestyn Davies, Roderick Williams and rising star Stuart Jackson. Presenter Anna Lapwood is jjoined by musician and broadcaster Hannah French.