The King’s Singers launched their national tour with a concert in Perth that revealed what a well-oiled machine this six-piece is. The tour marks the ensemble’s 50th anniversary and with their tablet scores, suave purple suits and scripted information between songs they left nothing to chance as they smiled their way through the concert. The English vocal group currently comprises countertenors Patrick Dunachie and Timothy Wayne-Wright, tenor Julian Gregory, baritones Christopher Bruerton and Christopher Gabbitas and bass Jonathan Howard. 

Their program savoured the diversity of vocal music and ranged from sacred works to barbershop. The Singers were supported by the 20-strong St George’s Cathedral Consort who both accompanied and extended the King Singer’s sound from quartet intimacy to orchestral lushness.

The King's SingersThe King’s Singers. Photo © Marco Borggreve

The concert was not part of the Perth Festival (which ends this weekend) but the collaboration between local and international groups was a welcome balance to the festival’s lightweight classical music program, which was distinctly lacking in local artists.

The King’s Singers opened the evening with the hushed purity of Henry Ley’s The Prayer of King Henry VI which was contrasted with the...