Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle

Gioachino Rossini - Petite Messe Solennelle

Rossini called this his "Petite Messe Solennelle" with characteristic irony - it's neither particularly small nor especially solemn! 

Written in 1863 when he was 71, this was his final major composition and quite different from his famous operas. The unusual instrumentation - two pianos and harmonium rather than full orchestra - creates an intimate, almost salon-like atmosphere that's both deeply moving and surprisingly dramatic. The harmonium adds a beautifully warm, reedy quality that gives the work its distinctive devotional character.

Rachel Abbott  - soprano
Margaret McDonald - mezzo-soprano
Aaron Cawley - tenor
Alex Hardy - bass

Elin Rees - Harmonium

Jonathan Ellis & Adam Beedie - Pianos

Juan Ortuño - conductor

Tickets: £12 (£6 Students) by BACS or on the door