The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge can trace its origins back to the founding of the college by Henry VI in 1441. That’s a lot of history. Indeed, this veritable musical icon is an example of living, breathing historical authentic performance practice, upholding centuries of tradition while continuing to commission, or to have commissioned for them, new works to enrich the already incredibly rich and diverse English choral repertoire. And here they were, back in Perth again, for the first concert of their latest Australian tour for Musica Viva. It’s just a shame Sir Stephen Cleobury, their director of music since 1982, could not, owing to ill health, join them for what was to be his final international tour before retiring. Luckily the Choir’s new director, the estimable Daniel Hyde, was able to step in. The Perth concert was also somewhat of a homecoming for Hyde, who between 1998 and 1999 was assistant organist at St George’s Cathedral.

Johannes MoserChoir of King’s College, Cambridge. Photo © Scott Slawinski

This program, one of two the Choir is presenting in Australia, began and ended with two very different coronation anthems from...