Cover Image: A delicate interplay of recorder, treble viol, and harpsichord brings early music to life in HIP Company’s Christmas concert. Photo: Partografia Photography and Film

Christmas with HIP Company
St Mary’s Church, South Perth
Thursday, 18th December 2025

If, like me, you found yourself running on fumes this time last year you’re not alone. However, if you were to choose HIP Company for your one dose of Christmas Music, also like me you’d be soothed well into your Christmas socks, and leave the venue humming and uplifted with a whole new take on the genre. 

I leave with Zéspedes’ extremely catchy Convidando está le noche bobbing around in my head (I’d take this over Feliz Navidad any day of the week), a wonderful full ensemble rendition of a joyous Christmas song arranged by soprano and HIP Company Co-Director, Bonnie de la Hunty. Prior to this little gem the audience is also treated to a varied program of Baroque and Renaissance instrumental and vocal music, with the lovely addition of skilful young flauto dolce (recorder) player, Anna Maydwell. 

Maydwell plays multiple recorders throughout the evening with poise and grace proving that this ‘sweet flute’ is certainly more than what can sometimes be a plastic instrument of early childhood torture to many people’s ears. In her hands it is sweet and enticing, and provides so many moments of virtuosic playfulness with HIP Company members including a poised Jane Cameron on violin, an ever-musical James Huntingford on his fabulous scarlet harpsichord, a generous Krista Low on Viols, and the always graceful soprano of Bonnie de la Hunty.

To begin the evening, the full ensemble moves to the stage and the first of four arrangements across the evening by de la Hunty is heard, the traditional Noël Nouvelet. It’s a gorgeous and delicate beginning to a frequently serene yet rich program. De la Hunty’s arrangements show real skill and finesse, and the standout of the evening is her take on the traditional English Coventry Carol. De la Hunty is not afraid of the quieter and exposed moments for the voice, also singing well into her mid and lower register in this program. It’s a lovely warm and rich tone, and she’s a joy to watch. 

Always enjoyable in HIP Company concerts are lesser heard pieces of Early repertoire, along with unusual instruments and combinations. Tonight, we have not only the lovely range of tenor, alto and descant recorders, but we also have a treble viol, which is a sight to behold and hear. The size of a small guitar and played upright like the Viola da gamba (an early predecessor of the modern cello that is played da gamba, or “on the leg”), the treble viol is akin to a kind of modern viola in sound and pitch, and played lovingly by a smiling Krista Low. Low is such an appealing and musical presence on stage, a generous performer who communicates so well with her fellow players, including the more tentative stage presence of Maydwell. This unselfish musicianship and spirit is wonderful to see. A Telemann trio sonata follows displaying excellent ensemble playing, back to the bass da gamba for a short and sweet Scarlatti aria, and then a completely charming Orlando Gibbons Fantasia for the treble viol and descant recorder. 

Harpsichordist Huntingford is frequently the affective glue of the ensemble, and Carissimi’s extended Salve puellule is an apt demonstration of his assured but never domineering ensemble leadership. Alternating textures— including the more muted lute stop effect—helps to differentiate musical sections, along with the playful passing of more soloistic passages amongst the players. De la Hunty has many tricky mid-tempo triplet passages to sing here and aces them with a smile. Another serene instrumental section follows to indulge the recorder and viol before some welcome pace with Monteverdi’s Laudate Dominum, which is admirably sung, but perhaps needs to be a bit faster and fierier to offset the languid pace in the middle of the program. Nevertheless, it’s a fun arrangement, finishing with a joyous, Alleluia!

And then, here we are at the Zéspedes, and my Christmas spirit is recharged. A very sophisticated evening of early music to send us all off to seek seasonal merriment with good cheer.