Sonus Lux

Sonus Lux is Nipaluna/Hobart’s newest professional vocal ensemble, united by a shared passion for choral music old and new. Drawing on the rich experience of its members as conductors, singers, and teachers, the ensemble creates projects that challenge, move, and entertain audiences across Tasmania while continually pushing its own artistic boundaries. 

The ensemble brings together musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, forming a flexible and expressive octet. Sonus Lux has featured sopranos Madeline Dyer and Grace Ovens, altos Sebastian Allen and Tess Archer, tenors Alexander Rodrigues, Quin Thomson and Simon Milton, and basses Jonathan Wallis, Matthew Anning, Rob Evans, and Nick Caddick. Together, Sonus Lux aims to craft distinctive and immersive soundscapes for audiences in Nipaluna/Hobart and beyond.  

Sonus Lux launched with its debut programme, Resounding Light (May 2025), curated and directed by Sebastian Allen. Centred on the ensemble’s namesake (“sound of light”) the programme explored luminous choral textures through works both historic and contemporary. Featuring beloved texts such as O Nata Lux and Lo, There is Light alongside modern reflections including Northern Lights and White Nights, the concert also introduced several Tasmanian premieres, including Joseph Twist’s The Peace of Wild Things, Clare Maclean’s We Welcome Summer, and Jake Runestad’s Spirited Light. 

Building on this strong artistic foundation, Sonus Lux next presented Sacred Symmetry – Redux (December 2025), curated and directed by Quin Thomson. This richly balanced offering journeyed through interpretations of sacred texts across time, unified by a striking symmetrical design. The programme showcased the ensemble’s versatility through quartets, trios, duets, solos, and full tutti works, allowing each singer’s individual artistry to shine within the collective sound. 

Sacred Symmetry – Redux featured polyphonic masterpieces by Byrd, Tallis, and Josquin alongside beloved works by Poulenc, Messiaen, and Duruflé. Contemporary voices were also represented, including Anna Lapwood’s O Nata Lux, David Basden’s Salve Regina, and Matthew Anning’s setting of Pater Noster, all framed around Thomson’s Palindrome for solo voice. 

With a commitment to musical excellence, thoughtful programming, and the celebration of both established and emerging repertoire, Sonus Lux is rapidly establishing itself as a compelling new voice in Tasmania’s choral landscape.