Remembering Michael Sollis

Vale Michael Sollis

Canberra Symphony Orchestra joins countless Australians mourning the loss of Michael Sollis – composer, educator, collaborator and extraordinary creative force whose influence far exceeded any single genre or stage.

Born and raised on Ngunnawal Country, Michael embodied a rare breadth of musical life, moving effortlessly between classical and folk traditions, performance and education, artistic practice and community connection. 

He studied at the Australian National University School of Music, where he was mentored by Larry Sitsky and Jim Cotter, and later joined the faculty.

As founder and director of The Griffyn Ensemble, artistic leader in the National Folk Festival, convenor of the Canberra Arts Action Group and inaugural Director of Education at Musica Viva Australia, Michael epitomised what it means to be a musician in contemporary Australia.

For him, music was never confined to the concert hall. It was a way of bringing people together across disciplines, cultures and communities, including collaborations with scientists, First Nations artists, educators and regional communities.

The CSO had the privilege of performing Michael’s music in our Australian Series, and we valued his longstanding friendship with the orchestra and our musicians. That connection was also deeply personal: Michael’s wife, Kiri, is our Principal Flute and through her and many shared artistic and community ties we have felt closely connected to Michael’s remarkable creative energy.

Even through serious illness, Michael continued to create, collaborate and lead, sustaining an extraordinary commitment to music and those around him. He also became an advocate for cancer awareness, following his diagnosis of advanced bowel cancer in 2021.

Michael’s contribution to Canberra’s cultural life, and to Australian music and music education more broadly, is profound and enduring. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kiri, their sons Bryn and Lyle, and his parents Kerrie and Peter. 

Image credit: Keith Saunders.