An intriguing musical evening is in store for Islanders next weekend when Orpheus Singers give a performance of Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle (Small Solemn Mass) at St Catherine’s Church, Ventnor.
Gioachino Rossini is best known for his light opera work, in particular The Barber of Seville. He wrote the Petite Messe Solennelle in later life and described it as “the last of my sins of old age”. One critic described it as “neither small, nor solemn, nor particularly liturgical”.
Unconventional, often unpredictable, the piece is divided into two parts of seven numbers each, mixing march rhythms and majestic tempos over harmonies that are sometimes surprising.
In its original form it was scored for piano and harmonium – an eccentric combination which will be reproduced in this performance, played by Michèle Brock (piano) and Douglas Potts (harmonium). The performance is conducted by Philip Fryer.
Orpheus Singers is a chamber choir based in Newport, founded by Alan and Anne Burnett in 1992 to perform lesser known works of the classical music repertoire.
The event is being held on Sunday 15th November at 18:00 at St Catherine’s Church in Ventnor. Tickets are £8.00 and may be obtained at the door or in advance from choir members or on 01983 615875.
Further information is available on Orpheus Singers’ website, www.orpheussingers.org.uk.
