The Sixteen

In celebration of our 50th year, the ANU School of Music is proud to present world-renowned choir, The Sixteen.

Now in its 34th year, The Sixteen is recognised as one of the world’s greatest ensembles. Comprising both choir and period-instrument orchestra, The Sixteen’s total commitment to the music it performs is its greatest distinction.

A special reputation for performing early English polyphony, masterpieces of the Renaissance, bringing fresh insights into Baroque and early Classical music and a diversity of 20th- and 21st-century music, is drawn from the passions of Founder and Conductor Harry Christophers CBE. The Queen of Heaven features an unmissable new version of Allegri’s famous Miserere alongside James MacMillan’s own setting of the text and glorious music by Palestrina.

"I have decided to look at the music of three composers who, although separated by centuries, are unique in their devotion to the church," Christophers says.

"Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina is often billed as ‘The Prince of Music’ and by some ‘The Saviour of Church Music’; of course there are many great composers of the Renaissance, but Palestrina shines out for his immaculate craftsmanship and his sheer output.

"Today’s ‘Saviour of Church Music’ is undoubtedly James MacMillan, a composer with whom The Sixteen has had a long and empathetic association.His setting of the Miserere is quite an astounding work, one which I guarantee will have you on the edge of your seat. I could not resist the opportunity to contrast MacMillan’s powerfully emotional setting with that of Gregorio Allegri. Allegri’s Miserere is the single most famous piece of sacred music ever written. However, mythology surrounds it and, in this concert, we aim to portray its evolution."

For program, ticketing and information please visit the website.