Chinoiserie, presented by the youthful members of HIP Company, presented an interesting program of eighteenth-century opera and chamber music from Europe and traditional music from China, with varying levels of success. When this concert was good, it was very good indeed. However, for the most part I found myself frustrated as an audience member, primarily due to the awkwardness of the venue, but also confused at the often-tenuous links made between pieces on the program, and by the jarring juxtaposition of such diverse instrumental, vocal, timbral and tonal palettes.

HIP Company performers Krista Low (cello), James Huntingford (harpsichord), Bonnie de la Hunty (soprano), Marlene Crone (violin) and Sarah Papadopoulos (violin) in its Chinoiserie concert, 28 May, 2022. Image © Artshoot Media.

The Perth Town Hall is a washy acoustic at the best of times, it is not sound-proofed, and it is noisy. It is located – as most Town Halls are – at a busy intersection. The performers placed themselves...