The solemn liturgy of the Catholic Mass is a sacred ritual that one might reasonably assume is an overtly austere and earnest occasion. Not exactly the obvious choice for a birthday party. However this was the inspired idea behind the expertly executed program for the 30th anniversary concert of Australia’s most accomplished and longest running close harmony a cappella group, The Song Company. The Mass isn’t simply a religious ceremony. It is an act of reflection, of celebration, of devotion and ultimately an expression of gratitude, and it was these entirely apt sentiments that made Artistic Director and Conductor Roland Peelman’s selection for the evening so appropriate.

Eight pieces, each selected from separate settings of the traditional Latin Mass were interspersed with speeches by the Song Company’s closest friends and advocates including the Song Company’s flamboyant and entertaining General Manager Eugene Ragghianti and acclaimed photographer and installationist William Yang who spoke passionately about the power and versatility of the human voice. Former Song Company Soprano Ruth McCall’s hysterical, semi-sung stream of consciousness delivery about life in the group (she was the high soprano in the Song Company for 15 years) had the audience shrieking with laughter, as did Penny Biggins’...