MICHAEL DRAKE There were myths to be shot down and the renowned Academy of Ancient Music did so, with stunning expertise and musical colouring.

MICHAEL DRAKE

There were myths to be shot down and the renowned Academy of Ancient Music did so, with stunning expertise and musical colouring in a Jarrolds Stationery-sponsored concert at St Margaret's Church

Not all from the baroque period is effective in a large acoustic but the resonance here leant itself perfectly to the Academy's sound, whether in full ensemble, strings alone, duets or solos in which a plethora of vivacious Vivaldi concerti alternating between F major and G minor.

With violinist Andrew Manze as its energetic director and soloist, the first was notable for its beautifully-rounded slow movement and the second for the utter compatibility of violin, oboe and recorder duets.

In the second half Frank de Bruine's oboe provided great interplay with the two sets of violins while the final concerto was just Venice in music.

The programme's halves were mirror images and each included a Bach Brandenburg concerto. It was glorious music-making of the highest quality.