According to Nico Muhly, the Coronation of the Virgin is "a panel of pure theatre and music". Painted in 1358 by the Venetian artist Paolo Veneziano (ca. 1295-1362), the apocryphal story of the Virgin's death is depicted in one of the artist's most thrilling and important works. Paolo Veneziano presents the Virgin and Christ in sumptuous garments and surrounded by a choir of angels playing portable organs, lutes, trumpets, tambourines, and other instruments. The angels symbolize the harmony of the universe; their instruments are the authentic components of a medieval orchestra, accurately depicted and correctly held and played. The decorative sparkle of the surface - with its brilliant, expensive colours, patterned textiles, and lavish gold leaf - reflects the Venetians' love of luxury, a taste that enriches much of 14th- and 15th-century architecture in Venice.

Drama starring Ralph Fiennes and Kate Winslet (in a BAFTA, Golden Globe and Oscar-winning performance), based on the novel by Bernard Schlink. Set in post World War II Germany, the story revolves around a teenage boy Michael Berg (David Kross) who falls ill with scarlet fever and is helped home by Hanna (Winslet), a stranger twice his age. When Michael recovers, he tracks Hanna down in order to thank her for her kindness. Despite their age difference, the two embark on an intense and secret affair that is based largely on Michael reading aloud to Hanna, until Hanna suddenly and mysteriously disappears one day, leaving Michael confused and heartbroken. Several years later, when Michael (Fiennes) is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he comes across Hanna again - this time as a defendant in the courtroom. As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael uncovers a secret that profoundly affects both their lives.