Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle must surely be one of the most delightful works in the choral repertoire, with its sumptuous melodies, quirky rhythms and operatic fervour, underpinned by a general sense of fun and optimism rarely found in liturgical pieces. Last Sunday, at Sutton Courtenay’s parish church, All Saints’ Singers captured the mood to perfection, in a sparkling performance that bristled with energy, warmth and enthusiasm. The ensemble singing was richly satisfying; the choir produced some wonderful sounds, with well-observed dynamics and crisp diction, under the indefatigable encouragement of director Caroline Hobbs-Smith. Despite being outnumbered by roughly two to one, the male sections of the choir made their presence felt, and there was a well-balanced sound throughout.

Among the soloists, the ladies were particularly impressive. Soprano Anna Shackleton is still a third-year undergraduate at Birmingham Conservatoire, but already she has star quality, singing with maturity and confidence. She negotiated the tricky Crucifixus with apparent ease, and then treated us to a fluid O Salutarius. Clemmie Franks is another singer who oozes self-assurance, and her gloriously rich voice made the Agnus Dei a real tour de force. The pair blended well, too, in the sublime Qui Tollis; another highlight.

Tenor Robin Whitehouse has a lovely voice, but seemed to struggle a little with the Domine Deus, which could have done with more operatic clout. Bass Richard Weston started strongly, but likewise seemed to flounder a little in the Quonium.

It was good to see the piece performed as originally intended, with just two pianos and a harmonium. Gulliver Ralston, Peter McMullin and James Longstaff delivered the goods with skill and panache.

Rossini’s overture to Il Barbiere di Seviglia and Cruda Sorte from L’Italiana in Algeri, together with the Andante from Mozart’s Sonata for two pianos in D, were pleasing appetisers, but the Petite Messe Solennelle was the glorious main feast, right through to that wonderful, uplifting finale.