Giancarlo Palena – RAM Erasmus Student-Concert Petite Messe Solennelle-St Andrews Church-Holborn London April 5th 2019

Giancarlo Palena

Giancarlo Palena wins 1st Prize in the Sir Karl Jenkins Award

Giancarlo Palena was studying at the Royal Academy of Music on an Erasmus until the end of February this year.  He entered the 5th edition of “The Arts Club – Sir Karl Jenkins Music Award in association with Classic FM 2019”: the panel, chaired by Sir Karl Jenkins, comprised music educationalist, Carol Barratt, chairman of City Music Society, Leslie East, Classic FM presenter, Catherine Bott, managing director of Decca Classical Label Group, Dr. Alexander Buhr and harpist, Catrin Finch, as they seek the most talented instrumentalist in the UK, aged between 18-25. There were 12 candidates selected through a pre-selection for the semifinals held on 23rd March, than just 6 candidates were admitted to the final on 30th March. Both events were at The Arts Club, 40 Dover Street, London, W1S 4NP. A piece from the winner’s competition repertoire as well as a short work especially composed by Karl, will be recorded in a London studio and subsequently broadcast on Classic FM. The panel of judges selected a winner based upon technique, individualism, communication and future potential. How wonderful that an accordionist has won that prize and will now have a composition written for him by Sir Karl Jenkins. Many congratulations to Giancarlo Palena.

You can hear Palena playing in a performance of Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle on April 5th

Friday 5 April 2019 7.30pm St Andrew’s Holborn, London.

M° Paul Ayres conducts City Chorus, performing Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle. 

Gioacchino Rossini’s last great masterpiece has moments of radiance and uninhibited joy but also a darker side hinting at death as the extinction of meaning. It is music of the soul which speaks directly to every member of the audience and all will enjoy the creativity and craftsmanship displayed in the work.

City Chorus concerts are famously convivial: full of family, friends and supporters of the choir. Our concerts always also feature professional musicians. This concert features: Giancarlo Palena (accordion), Philip Shannon (piano), four other soloists and six choral scholars, conducted by Paul Ayres.

For more information and tickets: http://www.londoncitychorus.com/