Handel has never lacked for friends. The Artworks concert at Blackthorpe Barn showed that his music and that of Arne and Vivaldi, both of whom he outlived, and Purcell, is as popular now as it was in the 18th century.

Thomas Arne did more than set Rule Britannia to music – only after listening to Arne's work did the multi-lingual Handel begin to take English seriously as a language for musical theatre. Purcell's early death did not diminish Handel's admiration for him, whilst Vivaldi was aware of Handel's reputation even in Venice. The programme connected the music of these masters in a fresh and imaginative way.

The sopranos Lindsay Gowers and Suzanne Williams performed with verve and confidence, charming their listeners. Their opening duet, Laudamus Te, from Vivaldi's Gloria, set the tone for a successful evening.

Lindsay Gowers did more than justice to some Purcell solos, including The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation. Her solos from Handel's Rinaldo and Alchina were particularly effective.

Suzanne showed skill with her interpretation of Arne's A Soldier Tired, from the rather difficult to pronounce opera Artaxerxes. Vivaldi's Agitata da due Venti, another pronunciation challenge, was moving.

Handel's Cantata 16, with an interesting European pedigree - written in Italian by a German composer who chose to live in England - was the final piece. Handel, no stranger to re-using, set the words to tunes borrowed from his own Messiah. Despite the music's disconcerting familiarity, it was a delight to hear this piece from two such accomplished singers.

Suzanne and Lindsay were accompanied by Malcolm Russell on the harpsichord. He also played Handel's Ciacona in G Major and, appropriately for a barn, The Harmonious Blacksmith.

The friendly and relaxed ambience of Blackthorpe Barn makes its own contribution to successful arts events. The 30 artists whose work was part of the Artworks exhibition could not have a better local showcase, and it was a pleasure to listen to music surrounded by their pictures, sculptures, glasswork and photos. This was the first time that Artworks incorporated a concert into their annual event – we can only look forward to more.

Mary Dunk