If the ubiquitous canned carols have you running for cover, then head for the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts tonight (December 6), where England’s Tallis Scholars present a program of sacred music for the Christmas season. Founded by their director, Peter Phillips, in 1973, the Tallis Scholars breathe new life into the gorgeous Renaissance polyphonic repertoire and will be performing works by Sebastián de Vivanco, Orlandus Lassus, Thomas Tallis, and Hieronymus Praetorius. Presented by Early Music Vancouver, the Scholars will also sing two compositions by contemporary Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, whose music is often identified as “holy minimalism” and draws inspiration from Gregorian chant.