Those seeking a more intimate Christmas music experience away from the inevitable Messiah and communal carol singing would not have been disappointed by early music ensemble HIP Company’s final concert for the year.

Handel was represented, to be sure, and JS Bach; but also Vivaldi, Domenico Gallo, Chiara Margerita Cozzolani, James Oswald, and that most prolific of composers, Trad.

This time around, directors Bonnie de la Hunty (soprano), Sarah Papadopoulos (violin), and Krista Low (cello) were joined by regular collaborators Stewart Smith (organ) and Eliza McCracken (violin), and tenor Jason Kroll. Kroll had previously worked with HIP Company earlier this year on the Australian premiere of John Eccles’ opera, Seleme.

The mix of vocal and chamber music worked extremely well, with a range of colours and textures on offer throughout, augmented by the bright acoustic of St Mary’s South Perth.

HIP Company: Stewart Smith, Krista Low and Bonnie de la Hunty. Photo © Partografia Photography & Film

Fittingly, de la Hunty, Kroll and ensemble opened with the Wexford Carol, de la Hunty’s atmospheric arrangement the singers’ clear, warm voices beautifully evoking a small Baroque nativity diorama, thus setting the tone for the music...