The Australian Chamber Choir, founded in 2007 by Artistic Director, Douglas Lawrence, supports young professional musicians with further training and touring experience. The Choir, in collaboration with the Melbourne Baroque Orchestra (MBO), opened its 2026 season with Bach’s Mass in B Minor, giving the final performance at Scots’ Church in Melbourne. 

The 19th century church is a beautiful but acoustically challenging venue, with the magnificent dome inclined to blur the sound. However, the ensemble overcame this challenge and made the most of the resonance; there were many exhilarating moments where Bach’s rich harmonies filled the church.  

Extreme focus and skill is required for the many parts in Bach’s complex contrapuntal score to be knitted seamlessly into place. In this performance, Lawrence gave unfailingly constant rhythmic leadership from the podium. 

The basso continuo was both rock-steady and sensitive. It propelled the music in dramatic choral items such as the Hosanna, Gloria and Sanctus, while accompanying the solos with great finesse. 

The Australian Chamber Choir. Photo supplied

Securely ground on this firm musical foundation, the choir revealed through their body language – swaying and making eye contact at critical points...