If you want to cook up a truly sublime musical experience, then take careful note of the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra's (BPO) recipe.
First take one orchestra at the very top of its game and add its world-class regular conductor Barry Wordworth.
To this mix add two international singers, soprano Catherine Bott and baritone Christopher Maltman.
Then add the internationallyrenowned Brighton Festival Choir and garnish with the Dome organ, in classical mode, under the hands of All Saints Church organist Michael Maine.
Mix carefully and add a dash of Elgar's Serenade for Strings and set the mixture loose on two of the great French Choral Classics, the Haunting Requiem by Gabrielle Faure and the joyful Gloria by Francois Poulenc.
The result was one of the most magical, sublime and beautiful afternoons of music I have ever heard in some 20 years of reviewing the BPO.
A critic for the London Times writing of the BPO at a recent anniversary concert suggested that the essence and spirit of this orchestra should be bottled and distributed to all our national orchestras.
Under Wordworth's baton, orchestra, chorus and soloists displayed richness, poignancy, control and discipline, showing just how good great musicmaking can make you feel.
Baritone Maltman I know best as a superb Figaro and he and soprano Bott were breathtaking.
This was music that injected joy straight into my bloodstream.
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