Press Kit

After their acclaimed performance of the Brahms German Requiem in 2021, the Canberra Choral Society and National Capital Orchestra are very pleased to continue their series of annual collaborations with the presentation of one of the gems of the repertoire, the Petite Messe Solennelle by Gioacchino Rossini, featuring a Canberra-based cast of choral and orchestral musicians.

Conducted by Louis Sharpe, with Chorus Master Dan Walker the two organisations will come together on the Llewellyn Hall stage with soloists Sarahlouise Owens (soprano), Sonia Anfiloff (alto), Ryan O’Donnell (tenor) and Hayden Barrington (baritone).

Described by the composer as one of the sins of his old age, the Little Solemn Mass is by no means petite. Scored for large orchestra, choir and organ, it is nevertheless a refined and elegant piece with characteristics that show it as having been written by a composer of operas.

The CCS and NCO are Canberra’s premier community-based choral and orchestral ensembles with a proud tradition of bringing works from the classical and contemporary repertoire to audiences in the ACT region.

Louis Sharpe comments “It is with great pleasure that I make my Llewellyn Hall debut with the wonderful CCS and NCO in their annual collaboration as flagships of community music making in Canberra. This wonderfully passionate work by Rossini plays to our strengths and will showcase the amazing talent available in our community. This afternoon of music making by your local ensembles and four fabulous soloists should not be missed!”