The offer came out of the blue. A phone call. Would Melbourne bass-baritone Lachlan McDonald be prepared to jump into the line-up of Britain’s revered Tallis Scholars for their upcoming Australian tour.

“They suddenly needed a bass and I couldn’t really say no,” McDonald tells Limelight. For McDonald, who has long admired the group’s recordings, the invitation was irresistible – but there was a catch. He was already scheduled to appear at the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival with the Consort of Melbourne, performing its touring chamber project with Melbourne’s Homophonic!, Moonlight. 

“That was a tricky one,” McDonald admits. “I had to call Steven Hodgson, Consort’s director, and say – and I’d never normally ask this – but can you manage without me? To his credit, he gave me his blessing, and they’re finding a replacement.”

Lachlan McDonald. Portrait © Ian Laidlaw Photography

The Tallis Scholars’ Australian programs are not for the faint-hearted. Across two separate recitals in Melbourne and concerts in Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney, the ensemble is presenting repertoire ranging from Renaissance polyphony to works by living composers Nico Muhly and Arvo Pärt.

“For me, about half...