In this final concert of The Tallis Scholar’s 11th Australian tour, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the UK choir’s resilience and ability to rebuild.

Under founding Director Peter Phillips, the ensemble – sopranos Amy Haworth, Emma Walshe, Daisy Walford and Victoria Meteyard; altos Caroline Trevor and Elisabeth Paul; tenors Steven Harrold and Tom Castle; and bass Tim Scott Whiteley – is rounded out by the Consort of Melbourne’s Lachlan McDonald, who stepped in after Tim’s brother and fellow bass Simon suffered a stroke just days before the tour was due to start.

Peter Phillips and The Tallis Scholars. Photo © Jay Patel & Sydney Opera House

For a choir renowned for its unified sound, absence of vibrato and perfectly balanced harmonies – they really do sing with one voice –  this might have proven catastrophic, and it is a testament to both the painstaking work of Phillips, his singers and McDonald that they prevailed.

Without having seen the earlier concerts in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane, it is impossible to comment on the journey McDonald has taken, but the results are impressive – during the encore, Phillips acknowledges McDonald started a...