Stratford-upon-Avon Choral Society’s 2024–2025 season opens on Saturday, 16 November with Rossini’s wonderful Petite Messe Solennelle.
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People aged 18 years or under are admitted free and should request a complimentary ticket on the 'Buy tickets' page.
Tickets will also be available at the door on the night if seats are still available.
Known best for his many operas, Rossini turned to religious work towards the end of his life and Petite Messe Solennelle was his last composition. The Messe was written in 1863, first performed in 1864, and re-scored for orchestral accompaniment in 1867. The original version was scored for piano and harmonium accompaniment, and this is (almost) the version that we shall be presenting in our concert, as Rossini included two pianos, with the second piano ‘reinforcing’ the main piano at suitable places. The piece runs through a variety of musical styles and is a joy both to sing and to listen to, as well as being a challenge of stamina for the soloists, who join in singing with the choir in addition to their solo passages.
The professional soloists will be Rebecca Rudge (Soprano), Catherine Griffin (Alto), Tim Burton (Tenor) and Samuel Harrison-Oram (Bass). Musical accompaniment is provided by Alex Aitken on piano and Simon Williams playing the harmonium. The concert will be conducted by the Society’s Musical Director, Oliver Neal Parker.
This concert takes place on Saturday 16 November 2024 at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon.
