André Rieu and Jools Holland line up for a classic Christmas programme

Classical sounds are in store during a packed week of concerts in Birmingham as the second city gets all geared up for Christmas.

Legendary Dutch violinist, conductor and composer André Rieu will headline Birmingham's LG Arena, while Jools Holland will feature with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra at the Symphony Hall.

Rieu's concert at the LG Arena is eagerly anticipated and follows his receipt of the Classic FM Album Of The Year at the BRIT awards for the second consecutive year.

And The Waltz Goes On beat albums by Andrea Bocelli, Hayley Westenra and Russell Watson to the prestigious award.

Rieu shared the award with Silence Of The Lambs star Sir Antony Hopkins, who wrote the title track of the album.

Rieu has become the world's most popular classical artist and is renowned for his energetic and festive live concerts.

His concert is billed as An Unforgettable Evening with André Rieu and will feature the master conducting his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and playing his world-famous Stradivarius violin.

The star, known as the King of Waltz, will be encouraging fans to get out of their seats and dance in the aisles.

He has sold more than 30 million albums globally, and has broken all classical concert records, packing stadiums and arenas with more than 700,000 adoring fans each year.

Jools Holland, meanwhile, is a firm favourite of Midlands fans and has played gigs around the region, including an open air sell-out at Shrewsbury's Quarry Park.

Boogie-woogie piano master Jools Holland is set to take his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on the road once again, bringing Jools' famous "big-band" sound and the ultimate party experience, with some very special guests to accompany him.

He will be joined tonight by former Fine Young Cannibals frontman Roland Gift.

His show will also feature the vocals of Birmingham soulstress Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and acclaimed trombonist Rico Rodriguez.

* See www.lgarena.co.uk and www.thsh.co.uk