Of all Benjamin Britten's operas, Death in Venice is the most dramatically static. Yet paradoxically, it is also the one least obviously suited to a concert performance. This is because the pivotal role of Tadzio, the beautiful boy whose presence drives the detached and rational Gustav von Aschenbach into the passion that destroys him, should be taken by a non-singing dancer. Yet in this concert hall version, Tadzio was nowhere to be seen.

Curiously, this works. It does so because Tadzio's music, played on the vibraphone and percussion, is so brightly recognisable and largely unchanging that his presence can never be mistaken. Insofar as there is any dramatic tension and development in this opera, though, it all belongs to Aschenbach, who is on stage virtually throughout and whose role eclipses all others. In concert, Death in Venice becomes more than ever an extended cantata for tenor and orchestra.

Philip Langridge has for many years been the natural, though completely distinctive, successor to Peter Pears in this and most of Britten's other tenor roles. Well into his bus pass years, his musicianship and insight are as outstanding as ever, the timbre wearing thin only occasionally, and then at emotionally appropriate moments. These two performances (the opera is repeated tonight) offer what is inevitably one of a diminishing number of opportunities to hear one of Britain's great singers in a major Britten role while still in full command of his vocal art.

Alan Opie has been singing the many baritone cameos in this opera for almost as long as Langridge has been singing Aschenbach. Opie again invested each one with a distinctive character and his practised rapport with Langridge was exemplary. William Towers sang beautifully in the problematic role of Apollo. Members of the Philharmonia Voices seized their chances in the small supporting roles. The Philharmonia's playing of this strongly gamelan-influenced score was virtuosic, and Richard Hickox conducted with all the commitment that this unlovable but ever-fascinating final Britten opera could want.

· Repeated tonight. Box office: 0870 405 6666.