In spite of the differences of time and distance, the choral works of the Australian composer Andrew Anderson (born in Melbourne in 1971) further the English cathedral tradition of such composers as Finzi and Howells, in music concerned particularly with lyricism and with clarity and directness of expression. The Consort of Melbourne is Melbourne's premier vocal ensemble, comprising eight of the city's finest chamber singers under the artistic direction of Steven Hodgson. Typically performing a capella with one singer per part, The Consort champions both historic and contemporary repertoire and was founded in 2008 by Warren Trevelyan-Jones and Peter Tregear. It is inspired by the best European musical traditions, to which it brings a uniquely Australian freshness and vitality.