Sydney Philharmonia Chamber Singers took audiences on
A Choral Pilgrimage to Sydney’s most beautiful and intimate churches in 2009. In 2010, the 100-voice Symphony Chorus steps outside the concert and recital halls to perform at some of the grand cathedrals of NSW.

From St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney to Christ Church Cathedral in Newcastle, A Choral Pilgrimage will bring a mix of history’s finest choral music back to intimate and spiritual surroundings. This year’s concerts focus on the great English choral composers from the 16th to 20th centuries, including the man often described as the father of English church music, Thomas Tallis.

Tallis’ revered, yet rarely performed motet Spem in alium promises to be one of many musical highlights on the pilgrimage. Written for 40 independent voices, the piece is regarded not just as the greatest of all Tallis’s musical achievements, but one of the finest choral compositions of all time.