Her Eyes, a presentation by Castalia Vocal Consort, is an adventurous exploration of the experiences of Mary, as she passes from the Annunciation as a virgin, to motherhood. Described in eight titled stages and 17 pieces, beginning with In Dark and culminating in Dawn, the music is accompanied by images projected on to a wall alongside the singers. The concert has come to fruition despite soprano Chloe Lankshear, who conceived the program and curated the art, and tenor Christopher Watson, unable to perform. They are covered seamlessly by soprano Brianna Louwen and tenor Tom Hallworth who join the rest of the ensemble comprising soprano and co-curator of the concert Amy Moore, mezzo-soprano Stephanie Dillon and basses Aidan O’Donnell and Philip Murray.

Composer Alice Chance, whose work And the Lord said, Fiat Lux was a highlight of the concert. Photo © Soumya Subramanian

The music performed dates from the 12th century to the present. The programming is bold and challenges conventional vocal sounds and techniques. It includes five Australian premieres, the world premiere of Lankshear’s...