It’s always an event to look forward to – another chance to hear Kantanti play. And a programme of Mozart and Mahler was a particularly pleasing one.

The concert opened happily with the overture to The Marriage Of Figaro, beautifully played, with only a couple of moments of slight awkwardness in establishing a steady tempo during the faster passages.

Next, Mozart’s Violin Concerto No 5. Kantanti’s leader Beatrice Philips played the piece sweetly and with great sensitivity, the adagio movement being a particular standout in its poignancy. Her cadenzas were generous and confident.

Finally, the Mahler. Surely the old church of St John Sub Castro has never heard anything more glorious than this performance of Mahler’s Symphony No 1. From the opening’s waking dawn chorus followed by muted brass fanfares calling hauntingly from the back of the church, the entire audience was on the edge of their seats for the rest of the nearly hour-long journey. And the time seemed to fly.

It’s difficult to overestimate how influential this piece has been – from film scorers and contemporary musicians, pop and classical alike, right on to the music of shows such as Fiddler On The Roof, the references are startling.

It all came together for Kantanti in this huge show-stopping masterwork. The conducting and playing was concentrated, inspired and inspiring, and the audience rightly went wild at the end.

It’s why music-lovers respond so well to this ensemble. Perhaps it’s a combination of their youth and exuberance – how often do you see players smiling as they play? – as well as their expertise.

Whatever it is, there was magic here and Lewes is very lucky to have them.