The atmosphere at this concert, which packed St George’s Church with a music-loving crowd, was friendly and appreciative.

As the BREMF Players, led by Alison Bury, completed virtuoso performances of Corelli’s Concerto Grosso and Vivaldi’s La Follia variations, not only the audience but also the BREMF Singers, seated at the back of the stage, smiled broadly and applauded enthusiastically.

Under the capable direction of John Hancorn, the choir tackled Scarlatti’s Stabat Mater. This piece about the sufferings of Mary while Jesus was crucified was made particularly poignant by being performed under the church’s crucifix, while “dum emisit spiritum”, the moment of his death, was darkly moving.

Although the singing occasionally felt cautious, the choir were much more confident performing Lotti’s Credo in F, using dynamics, rhythm and harmony to build drama and a sense of storytelling.

Guest soprano Elin Manahan Thomas sang Vivaldi’s Agitata Da Due Venti and Nulla In Mundo Pax Sincera with delightful animation and vigour, her eyes flashing with conviction as the lyrics described a hissing serpent “uncoiling itself among blossoms and beauty”. Summoned back for extra curtain calls, she seemed genuinely moved.

Brighton’s Early Music Festival, no longer funded by the Arts Council, is well worth supporting.