Famously described as “The rock stars of Renaissance vocal music” by The New York Times and “As near extra-terrestrial as you can get sitting in a concert hall” by The Observer, The Tallis Scholars are making a very welcome return to Australia with a sublime program of sacred choral music.

Led by their inaugural Director, Peter Phillips, and following several triumphant appearances Down Under over the past 40 years, their new program explores the elite world of some of the great Renaissance masters. It also offers a rare glimpse into the musical gems of the Vatican in its heyday during the high Renaissance. Including the polyphonic works of Morales, Palestrina, Josquin and Victoria, the Scholars also presented their major signature work and a real crowd-pleaser, Allegri’s celebrated Miserere. All of the chosen composers either worked at or sang in the revered choir of the Sistine Chapel, or wrote works to be performed there.

The Tallis Scholars. Photo © Laura Manariti

The evening commenced with a short Magnificat, a hymn to Mary, from Spanish composer Cristóbal de Morales.  His composition was delightful and an excellent choice to show off the range...