Bryn Terfel was a highlight of this Last Night in full guise as Falstaff, a role he is making his own.

And news has leaked out that he will sing Hans Sachs in Meistersinger in 2010 with Welsh National Opera.

Let's hope WNO sticks to Richard Wagner's original text and delivers a traditional performance. Tradition seems to be being challenged with the Sun sponsoring a production of Don Giovanni at Covent Garden, Sue Perkins winning the BBC Maestro competition, and BBC's Last Choir Standing capturing the nation's imagination.

It has been quite a summer. So what has this autumn to offer? Huge variety is the answer.

For those who wish to learn to sing, the Stoke United Reform Church in Coventry is hosting a free series of evening lessons for male singers.

Armonico Consort, with conductor, Christopher Monks, brings Italian Inspiration to St Mary's Church, Warwick, this Saturday, September 27, with works by Albinoni and Pergolesi.

The CBSO has a new conductor. Andris Nelsons follows in the footsteps of Sir Simon Rattle and Sakari Oramo as he begins his career in Birmingham.

Fortunately he brings with him his partner, the outstanding soprano, Khristine Opolais, who will sing Mimi in La Bohème on October 23, as CBSO celebrates the 150th anniversary of Puccini's birth.

Look out too for the Budapest Festival Orchestra and Mahler's Third on October 7, plus Ex Cathedra and Elijah on October 18 at the newly refurbished Birmingham Town Hall.

Leamington will host the well-established International String Quartet series, starting Friday October 3, with the St Petersburg Quartet.

Warwick will host Ex Cathedra on October 7 and Musica Petropolitana on November. 4. Stratford-upon-Avon provides an exciting looking festival starting October 10 introducing Natalie Klein (cello), Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain! Something for everyone - an autumn to look forward to.

Clive Peacock