Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle

Harpenden Choral Society will be performing Rossini’s Petite Mess Solennelle on Saturday 14th June at 7:30pm at St Nicholas Church, Church Green, Harpenden. Performed as originally scored with Alexander Binns on harmonium and Vivien Powles on piano, and conducted by John Andrews, the performance features soloists Jeni Bern, soprano; Kristin Finnegan, alto; Thomas Raskin, tenor; and Callum Thorpe, bass.
Best known as the composer of The Barber of Seville and William Tell, Rossini wrote this wonderful piece towards the end of his prolific life. The Petite Messe Solennelle is scored for four soloists and chorus with harmonium (a small reed organ) and piano. The humble scoring is in fact the only thing small about it; this joyously exuberant setting of the Mass - described by the composer himself as the last of his 'sins of old age' – is known as his final masterpiece. It belies its title, as it is neither petite nor especially solemn, but full of rhythmic vitality and flamboyant operatic style.
At the end of the score Rossini wrote: "Good God—behold completed this poor little Mass—Is it indeed sacred music that I have just written, or merely some damned music? You know well, I was born to write comic opera. It contains scant learning, but all my heart. That is all. So may you be blessed, and grant me entry into Paradise!” If ever there was a ticket to Paradise, this is it.

Tickets are £15 for adults; £5 for children and students, including a programme and a glass of wine or other soft drink at the interval. Please contact Box Office Manager Tricia Beavis tickets@harpendenchoralsociety.org or phone 01582 419379. Alternatively book online at Harpendenchoralsociety.ticketsource.co.uk. For more information about this and other upcoming events, please visit the HCS website; www.harpendenchoralsociety.org

For more information visit http://www.harpendenchoralsociety.org/