It was wonderful to see the Oxford Trobadors back in action last weekend, with a mixed programme of new songs and old favourites.

This seven-strong ensemble, formed in 1998 by baritone/guitarist Denis Noble, takes its inspiration from Occitan, a medieval language still spoken in parts of France, Italy and Catalonia. Largely pastoral in nature, many of the songs focus on love, but the rivers, mountains, birds and animals are never far from the songwriters’ thoughts.

They capture a range of moods, from the tender Pyrenees lullaby Nadau at Baptista (Christmas for Baptiste), to lively, toe-tappingly infectious numbers such as L’aiga de la Dordonha (Waters of the Dordogne) and Se canta (It’s singing) — all delivered by these enthusiastic trobadors with commitment and panache.

New additions to the repertoire included the premiere performance of Na Vierna, a 12th-century poem by Peire Vidal, composed and arranged in the Occitan style by tenor/guitarist Ray Noble, and guitarist Bryan Vaughan’s pair of songs, The Ballad of John Hampden and Don’t look up, don’t look down. In contrast, there were 20th- century pieces by Gareth Farr and Michael Berkeley, the former a three-movement instrumental for flute and marimba (performed with flair by Chris Britton and Keith Fairbairn), the latter a trio of pieces for cello from the composer’s Iberian Notebook, which called for some technical virtuosity from Valerie Findlay.

The evening finished, as is traditional, with Immortela (The Edelweiss), which was perfect for audience participation with its catchy chorus.

Among a fine group of musicians, Chris Britton and Keith Fairbairn turned in some memorable performances, but it was Ray Noble’s glorious, versatile tenor that really stood out, and I could happily have listened to his singing all night. As always, this was a delightful programme of music delivered in a relaxed, informal atmosphere, and was an absolute treat.