Cantillation is a classical music ensemble based in Sydney, Australia. The group was founded in 2001 by Antony Walker, who also serves as its artistic director and conductor. Cantillation is known for its performances of choral music, particularly works from the Baroque and Romantic periods. The ensemble's main members are a group of professional singers who are based in Sydney. These singers are chosen for their vocal abilities and their experience in performing choral music. Cantillation also works with a number of instrumentalists, including members of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. Cantillation has performed at a number of major venues in Australia, including the Sydney Opera House, the Melbourne Recital Centre, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The ensemble has also performed at a number of international festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival and the Hong Kong Arts Festival. One of Cantillation's most notable performances was its 2005 performance of Handel's Messiah at the Sydney Opera House. This performance was recorded and released on CD, and it received critical acclaim for its interpretation of the work. Cantillation has also performed other major works by Handel, including his oratorio Israel in Egypt. In addition to its performances of Baroque music, Cantillation has also performed works by Romantic composers such as Brahms and Mendelssohn. The ensemble has also performed contemporary works by Australian composers, including Ross Edwards and Brett Dean. Cantillation has received a number of awards and accolades for its performances. In 2005, the ensemble won the Limelight Award for Best Choral Performance for its recording of Handel's Messiah. The ensemble has also been nominated for several ARIA Awards, which are the Australian equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Overall, Cantillation is a highly regarded ensemble that is known for its performances of choral music. The group's dedication to excellence and its commitment to performing a wide range of repertoire have made it a favorite among audiences and critics alike.

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