Rossini described the Petite Messe Solennelle as ‘the last mortal Sin of my Old Age’ (Péchés de Vieillesse), the name he gave to his later works. It was originally written for twelve singers, two pianos and a harmonium. Rossini approached the text of the mass with the same sense of drama as he used in his operas, so even without an orchestra the mass sounds theatrical.

Rossini is known for developing bel canto singing technique through the technical demands of his music. Just as in his operas, the solos in the mass allow the singers to show their vocal technique. It is an utter joy to study and sing, and I’m very much looking forward to performing it.

Saturday, 24th September, 20:00, Dorpskerk, Voorschoten.

Voorschotens Kamerkoor, conductor Nico Philipp Hovius

With Arleen van Wijland, Charles Hens, Matthijs Mesdag, Rob Nederlof and Wouter Harbers.

For more information (in Dutch), please click here.