Medieval fiddles had strings made out of wolf-gut and the period's lute-like instruments were best plucked with an eagle-feather quill.

These Harry Potteresque pieces of information were passed on during a concert of medieval carols and songs in the prosaic surroundings of the Friends Meeting House.

The fluorescent strip lighting and total lack of atmosphere was the one drawback to an evening of pre-Renaissance loveliness.

Mediva had collected a varied programme of carols which, especially in the second half, showed off the group's technique, range and knowledge of their period.

The three female lead singers had some fiendishly tricky unaccompanied, unconducted material to work through and they did so beautifully, with the bright, clear, snowy timbre necessary for the music.

In unison their voices blended as one and mezzo Anne-Marieke Evers produced a particularly rich, bell-like sound for her solo As I Lay Upon A Night.

The tunes were interlaced with speeches about the pieces and instruments which enhanced the music for the audience.

With the balanced mix of lilting dance and mournful Christmas musing it was the perfect concert for a cold winter's evening: Mediva provided the energy and grace to bring centuries-old songs alive again.