This year commemorates the 500th anniversary of the birth of Italian composer Palestrina, whose name originates from his hometown located east of Rome. The Tallis Scholars, under the direction of Peter Phillips, have crafted a unique concert experience by pairing Palestrina's works with those of Arvo Pärt, who celebrates his 90th birthday this year. This program was notably performed in January at the cathedral of Sant’Agapito Martire in Palestrina, a place where the young Giovanni Pierluigi likely sang as a chorister and served as an organist starting at the age of 19. The performance showcased both composers' mastery, blending Renaissance polyphony with modern minimalism.

Peter Phillips describes Palestrina as the epitome of Renaissance composers, a sentiment echoed by the Tallis Scholars' exceptional vocal artistry. Their rendition of Palestrina’s motet Surge Illuminare set the tone for the evening, filling the St George’s auditorium with radiant warmth. Following this, the Missa Brevis demonstrated Palestrina's meticulous attention to text setting, enhanced by the Scholars' dynamic range and tonal coloration. The Kyrie offered a gentle plea for mercy, while the Gloria exuded richness and grandeur. The Benedictus featured serene solo voices, contrasting beautifully with the full-bodied Hosanna and the heartfelt Agnus Dei.

The concert also highlighted Arvo Pärt's distinct style, particularly evident in Da Pacem, a piece inspired by the Madrid bombings in 2004. His tintinnabuli technique creates a sound that is both transparent and resonant. By presenting both Palestrina and Pärt's settings of Nunc Dimittis, the Tallis Scholars underscored their shared dedication to textual meaning, forging a symbolic link between the two composers across centuries.

Despite the austere beauty of Pärt's music, the Scholars revealed an unexpected playfulness in Which Was the Son of …, a litany tracing Jesus' lineage. Syncopations and gospel-like rhythms brought a lively energy to the performance. As an encore, a Pärt composition in Estonian provided a joyful conclusion to the evening.

In bringing together these two musical giants, the Tallis Scholars created a profound connection between past and present. Through their artistry, they illuminated the timeless appeal of Palestrina's compositions and the contemporary resonance of Pärt's work. This remarkable concert not only honored the anniversaries of both composers but also celebrated the enduring power of choral music to transcend time and touch the soul.