Rossini's small, solemn mass must be the most inappropriately named work ever - it is neither small nor solemn.

It is a light-hearted piece which takes the full Latin mass, the full monty from the kyrie to the agnus dei, and gives it a genuine Rossini blast.

Brighton Festival Chorus and its youth choir sang it with full verve and joy.

There were elements of Mozart in it but most of the arias, from a top-class group of soloists, would not have been out of place in any Rossini opera.

Mezzo Juliette Pochin, who also directs the Festival Youth Choir, and soprano Katy Tansey were both delicious to hear and combined enthusiasm and exuberance.

Accompaniment was provided by two pianos and a harmonium. The original scoring and conductor James Morgan got a great sound from the full chorus, which must now be at something of a peak.