Petite Messe Solennelle by Gioachino Rossini [All tickets have been distributed]

Coro Lirico Siciliano (Italy)

8/10;Wednesday;8 pm     St. Dominic's Church     Admission with free tickets

Conductor: Francesco Costa
Roberto Moretti, Piano
Valeria Sepe, Soprano
Chiara Fracasso, Mezzo-soprano
Oreste Cosimo, Tenor
Salvo Di Salvo, Bass

PROGRAMME
G. Rossini: Petite messe solennelle

In the first half of the 19th century, Gioachino Rossini was recognised as the greatest Italian composer of his time. Although his reputation primarily rested with his magnificent comic operas, in the twilight of his years he began to direct his attention towards sacred music. At age 71, he composed the finely crafted Petite messe solennelle, incorporating dramatic operatic content into the sacred repertoire. Despite its title, the Petite messe solennelle is neither little, solemn nor especially liturgical in spirit. After all, it was specifically composed for a private performance at the home of Count Michel-Frédéric Pillet-Will and his wife Louise in Paris. Rossini refused to have this work published, yet orchestrated the composition a few years later. As such, the number of performers has greatly varied ever since.

The Coro Lirico Siciliano, an internationally renowned ensemble founded in 2008, will bring Rossini’s late compositional flowering to life. Appearing regularly in national and international venues and festivals, the chorus has received a number of highly prestigious awards. Equally at home with symphonic and sacred music, the ensemble has been particularly active in promoting music by Sicilian composers. Don’t miss this singular opportunity to experience the vocal mastery of the cultural ambassadors of Sicilian Art!

Please refer to the Festival Outreach Programme

Duration: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, no interval