A visit by any world-class ensemble to Oxford is a cause for celebration, and last Friday's concert by the London Mozart Players at the University Church was a sheer delight - a teasing, eloquent and sparkling programme of Haydn, Bach and Mozart, delivered with radiance and virtuosity by a group of players who are masters of their art. Putting the gloss on their performance was conductor Scott Ellaway, a former luminary of Oxford, whose impressive control and commitment showed why, at just 25 years of age, he is already a veteran on the concert circuit.

The opening piece, Haydn's Symphony No. 83 - The Hen - was a joyous appreciation of the composer's wit, especially in the famous 'hen' theme, here recreated vividly and immaculately with a wonderful delicacy and lightness of touch. But there was confident handling, too, of Haydn's textural layering and rhythmic inventiveness, and the somewhat fragmentary nature of the final movement.

Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, scored for nine string instruments (three violins, three violas and three cellos) and harpsichord continuo, was a lovely contrast. If the Haydn was a spirited and mischievous romp, this was a graceful, elegant and leisurely stroll that moved serenely towards the interval.

After the interval came another slice of Bach, this time his cantata Widerstehe doch der Sünde (Stand firm against all sinning), written for use on the third Sunday of Lent, and scored for a solo alto voice with strings and continuo. The advertised soloist, James Bowman, was replaced (we were not told why) by Robin Blaze, who proved himself a worthy substitute. Bach's delightful miniature consists of only two arias and a recitative, but requires an extensive vocal range - a task for which Blaze was more than capable.

Mozart's Symphony No. 40 was a stunning finale, delivered with freshness, vitality and driving power, the final movement in particular one of immense passion and dramatic intensity, forming a masterful climax to a memorable evening.