The programme notes written by the group’s leader Adrian Chandler were very informative. Supplemented by his spoken introductions before each concert item they brought the period and its composers vividly to life. He also proved to be a superb communicator with his violin, playing with real personality whilst staying true to baroque sensibilities.

His colleagues were equally adept as performers. Half the six items involved a second violin and Camilla Scarlett ‘s partnership with the leader was so secure that I felt it was a pity that she’d not had the chance to shine in one of the solo violin sonatas. Cellist Gareth Deats, a power-house of energy throughout was clearly having a wonderful time, as was Robert Howarth at the harpsichord. But especially when all four of them were playing I could barely hear his instrument, not his fault. Someone needs to invent a historically informed candle-powered amplifier. As a jazz-lover I wanted to hear his improvised responses to the bass-lines he’d been given.

‘Not a note of Vivaldi’ said Adrian at the start – how refreshing to be able to hear works by his contemporaries such as Carbonelli, whose music on the evidence of this concert is less formulaic. Thank you!

G.K.