Next year Jordi Savall will mark the 50th birthday of the founding of his early music band Hesperion XXI, so it was fitting that he should be an important part of Sydney Opera House’s golden anniversary celebrations.

Throughout the five decades the 81-year-old conductor and gambist has unearthed forgotten musical gems and introduced countless listeners from all ages and tastes to a rich and varied repertoire, both through his 230-plus recordings and a busy schedule of concerts.

Judging from this latest tour to Australia his energy is undiminished and his line-up of eight musicians has been given an added vibrancy by the inclusion of young Cuban cellist Lixsania Fernandez on tenor viol, who was out here for her solo debut tour with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra in 2018.

And it all sounded better than ever in the stunning new acoustic of the Concert Hall.

Jordi Savall with Hespèrion XXI in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Photo © Mikki Gomez

The programme was made up of 30 short pieces – including three encores – divided into brackets to illustrate the themes Fantasies, Battles and Dances.

Last time Savall was here, five years ago, he...