It feels like just yesterday that Stile Antico emerged as a fresh force in choral music, taking on seasoned choirs with their innovative approach of performing without a conductor. Now, two decades later, the ensemble has celebrated their remarkable journey with a special concert at Wigmore Hall, showcasing their 600th performance.

This extensive program, lasting nearly three hours, featured 14 significant Renaissance compositions, two newly commissioned pieces, and engaging onstage dialogues between all 12 current members facilitated by Radio 3’s Hannah French. The evening concluded with a memorable singalong of The Silver Swan, featuring past members, evoking nostalgia reminiscent of a heartfelt reunion.

Amid the light-hearted interviews, the concert was marked by beautifully nuanced singing. Stile Antico, known for its pristine sound in the beginning, has evolved to include a warmer and more expressive style while maintaining impeccable technical proficiency. Their approach now showcases imaginative dynamics and a rich variety of tones.

One of the most striking aspects of the performance was the ensemble’s ability to highlight structural elements through subtle, distinctive pauses at significant cadences, creating a sense of musical resonance akin to a silent semi-colon. This level of collective musicality requires not only technical skill but also the deep understanding developed from years of collaborating without a central conductor.

The repertoire included well-known works from Byrd, Gibbons, Tallis, Victoria, and Palestrina, alongside rare pieces that brought a fresh perspective. Notable highlights were Thomas Tomkins’s 12-voice O Praise the Lord and John Sheppard’s expansive and exquisite prayer Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria, both enriched with intriguing dissonances.

Two contemporary works added to the evening’s diversity. Huw Watkins’s The Phoenix and the Turtle began as a lively exploration of one of Shakespeare’s most eccentric poems before transitioning seamlessly to a more reflective, elegiac conclusion. Cheryl Frances-Hoad’s A Gift of Heaven, inspired by a unique text from Palestrina dedicating his Mass to Philip II of Spain, featured a tenor recitative expertly performed by Jonathan Hanley, layered over modernized counterpoint that culminated in a striking bitonal climax. This blend of the unconventional with tradition perfectly suited Stile Antico’s historical roots.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★