Sydney Chamber Choir’s In Paradisum presents 10 choral pieces by predominantly 20th century composers from Estonia, Norway, Sweden and Australia.

Singing in several Nordic languages, English and Latin, the 26 singers conducted by Artistic Director Sam Allchurch perform unaccompanied, with cellist Julian Smiles joining the ensemble for two works by Joseph Twist and Knut Nystedt. Showcasing the onomatopoeic sounds of the languages of northern Europe, it is revelatory to hear how suited these are to expressing images and emotion through music.

Sydney Chamber Choir at St James’, Sydney. Photo supplied

The program draws on the folk tunes and styles of the represented composers, paying homage to the Virgin Mary and exploring love in many forms. It speaks of the seasons, nature, passion and a spectrum of moods. Some build on elements that hark back to the very beginnings of sacred music with references to Gregorian plainchant and ancient chorales.

The exceptional pieces brought together here exemplify skilled and adventurous writing which continues to develop choral techniques and which the choir sings with excellent musicianship and masterful skill, both individually and as an ensemble. Conventional rhythms and harmonies are...