Spiritato! began the programme with Henry Purcell’s ‘Suite from Abdelazer’. This set the scene for the first half of the concert which exclusively included works by Henry Purcell. The Schola Cantorum of the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School gave a performance of 'Jehova Quam Multi Sunt Hostes Mei’, accompanied by Iestyn Evans on the organ. The first half culminated with the combined forces of the choir and orchestra in the 'Te Deum and Jubilate in D’.

The 'Jubilate in D’ includes a prominent first trumpet part at the beginning. For as long as I have known Purcell’s music, I have wanted to play this piece above all others and tonight was my first opportunity. I played the natural trumpet solo - the line of the melody beautifully intertwines with the countertenor soloist’s part. It is a fantastic moment and it was a huge privilege to play, on this occasion, with one of the most famous countertenor soloists: Iestyn Davies.