To celebrate Record Store Day UK on Saturday, April 21, a number of special vinyl classical issues are being released. EMI is releasing a seven-inch single that includes a unique duet version of the Habañera from Bizet's Carmen which unites Maria Callas and Angela Gheorghiu in a specially engineered recording complete with a new orchestral accompaniment. Also on the disc are favourite arias from Catalani's La Wally (Gheorghiu) and Puccini's Gianni Schicchi and Tosca (both Callas). The single is limited to 1000 copies and is adorned with the old HMV 'celebrity' red label. 

Decca is issuing two ten-inch vinyl discs, one combining Dame Joan Sutherland singing the Flower Duet from Lakmé and Kathleen Ferrier in one of her classical recordings, Blow the wind southerly. A second disc links Nicola Benedetti in the 'Méditation' from Thaïs and Benjamin Grosvenor in the Chopin/Liszt The Maiden's Wish.

The three discs will be available on Saturday in participating UK stores that include Abergavenny Music, Bath Compact Discs, Pomp & Circumstance (Harrogate), Presto Classical (Leamington Spa), Octave (Dunstable), JG Windows (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Prelude Records (Norwich), The Collector's Room (Salisbury), McAlister Matheson (Edinburgh), Foyles (London) and Heffers (Cambridge). 

In addition, Presto Classical is offering a selection of £3 specials, signed copies of Paul Lewis's Harmonia Mundi Beethoven piano concertos set, 25 per cent off Naxos discs – and a cupcake sale with proceeds to Myton Hospice. Abergavenny Music is hosting a signing by the violinist Rachel Podger, and McAlister Matheson is offering a 10 per cent reduction on all stock not included in existing promotions (as well as free cupcakes!).