How choristers radically transformed from medieval monks into globetrotting superstars.

This month, Australian audiences will thrill to the music of one of the world’s finest choirs when, after a six-year break, the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge tours nationally for Musica Viva. Known across the globe as passionate advocates of choral music old and new, this group of undergraduates has, under the direction of conductor Stephen Layton, acquired a ‘superstar’ status in the classical music world with an impressive list of accolades for both its concerts and numerous recordings.

Along with the choir of its older and even more famous neighbour, King’s College (founded in 1441 by King Henry VI), the Choir of Trinity College (founded by Henry VIII in 1546) is part of an amazingly active UK choral scene, developed over centuries, of which the colleges of Cambridge and Oxford, as well as cathedrals and other significant churches, play a major role. These choirs have also given birth to countless other vocal ensembles that range from singing obscure early music to jazz.

While most listeners know of these great choirs through tours and recordings, it is easy to forget that their main purpose has always been to provide music...