For the University of York Baroque Ensemble's concert, featuring arias from Handel's operas, soprano Lynne Dawson was joined by Yvonne Seymour and York postgraduate Marina Theodoropoulou. Three for the price of one, very contemporary.

It also set up a ghost of a mock dramatic re-enactment of the rivalry between Handel's 'extraordinary divas'. Lynne Dawson was the first diva to throw down the vocal gauntlet in the virtuosic aria Lusinghe Piu Care.

Great fun - for us - but technically outrageous to execute, which Ms Dawson did with style.

Yvonne Seymour took up the challenge with a comfortable performance of the demanding aria Si Dolce Lusingar. Ms Dawson countered with Ho Un Non So Che Nel Cor, an aria with no room for manoeuvre as the energetic vocal line was supported by the two violins in unison (very enjoyable). following up with a touching, impassioned performance of Falsa Imagine.

Marina Theodoropoulou entered the fray singing with a lovely tone and colour, followed by a beautifully articulated, understated performance of Piangero La Sorte Mia by Ms Seymour. Ms Dawson ended the proceedings with the thrilling vocal pyrotechnics of Da Tempeste il Legno in Franto.

The instrumental support given to the singers by the ensemble, with Peter Seymour (harpsichord/organ) and Theodoros Kitsos (theorbo) at the heart, was very impressive indeed.

The instrumental sonatas were exquisite, with talented young musicians Daniel Edgar, Nia Lewis (violins), Tim Smedley (cello) and Ailsa Reid (recorder), plus the ever youthful Peter Seymour, getting right to the heart of the music.

Updated: 09:06 Tuesday, July 12, 2005