The evening started with the short, sonorous and sombre Romance in C for strings, Op 42, by the Finnish composer Jan Sibelius. An unusual choice to kick off with, but it's a remarkably beautiful piece.

For this concert the Camerata brought with them The University of Leeds Liturgical Choir, a body of some two dozen young singers, whose pure clear tone belies a sure technique and strong musicianship. Under Bryan White's meticulous direction they performed a reflective six-part motet, Audivi Vocem (I heard a Voice) by Portuguese composer Duarte Lôbo, who was writing around 1600.

Moving back to protestant northern Europe of the early 18th century, we next heard Bach's intricate Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden (Praise the Lord all you heathen) for four-part choir and continuo. Then we moved further forward in time for Mozart's contemplative motet, Ave Verum Corpus (Hail true Body), K618, which dates from the last year of the composer's life.

The three choral texts fitted well with the solemn occasion, reflecting both the sadness and grieving of death and funerals, but also celebrating the triumph and glory of our departed brothers and sisters over the centuries.

The Choir's confident and sensitive interpretations of these different pieces were a joy to hear. They sing as well as, if not better than, most Cathedral or Oxbridge college choirs. I do hope they'll come back to Lancaster, ideally to sing during the course of the Liturgy.

The highlight of the evening was Mozart's Requiem, which was written in the last painful months of the composer's life. What more appropriate piece to celebrate All Saints' Day? Conductor Ben Crick was not only assured in his technique, but led the choir and band of nearly 50 performers through the difficult lines, passages and textures of the score with ne'er a blemish, nor a note nor a word out of place.

The choral singing was sharp and clear; the four soloists were top-drawer, and the Camerata gave us some sumptuous orchestral playing. With Crick's minute attention to detail in evidence everywhere, this was music making of the highest order. The whole concert was executed with a maturity and a depth way beyond the years of the performers – there's no-one in the Camerata or Choir over 32.

The Cathedral has made an excellent choice in booking another series of concerts with them. The next one will be on Friday February 6, 2009, and will feature two of the glorious Bach Brandenburg concertos. The other four will follow in subsequent concerts.

Put that date in your diary: what a wonderful way to banish the gloom of those dark nights between New Year and spring! I've booked our seats already.

Michael Nunn