The Dublin Choral Foundation was established in 1996 to promote the development of choirs of excellence in Dublin and to provide a musical education for children hitherto only available in the cathedral choral tradition, Dublin Choral Foundation is now recognised as one of Ireland’s leading choral establishments. The two choirs of Dublin Choral Foundation, The Lassus Scholars and Piccolo Lasso, directed by Ite O'Donovan, cater for singers of all ages. They are named after the great composer and virtuoso of Renaissance polyphony Orlande de Lassus (1532–1594).
For almost a decade, Dublin audiences have enjoyed the unique sound of the combined forces of adult and children's voices with orchestra in the performance of major choral works. In addition, each choir sings independently. Piccolo Lasso perform much of the specialist children’s repertoire including Gabriel Fauré|Fauré’s Messe Basse, Britten’s Missa Brevis and Ceremony of Carols and Eric Sweeney’s Missa Brevis. The Lassus Scholars perform a wide range of music from the Renaissance to modern compositions. Their repertoire includes Allegri’s Miserere, Palestrina’s Missa Papae Marcelli, Stanford’s Three Motets Op 38, Duruflé’s Quatre Motets Op 10 and more recent compositions by John Tavener, Eric Sweeney and Colin Mawby.
The Lassus Scholars and Piccolo Lasso have performed in many parts of Ireland, in Europe, Moscow and the USA and have recorded four highly acclaimed CDs. (two Christmas CDs Sing Choirs of Angels and Angel Tidings, Wedding Memories from Ireland and contemporary choral music by Irish composer Eric Sweeney Circle of Light.
In June 1998 Dublin Choral Foundation was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and granted charitable status by the Revenue Commissioners. CHY 12823.