Petite Messe Solonelle by Rossini
5 Aug 2018 4:00 PM
Concert-goers fortunate enough to have attended Cantando’s first 30th Anniversary concert – Ain’t Misbehavin’ – earlier this year, will hear the choir taking a more serious note in this August concert. Italian Gioacchino Rossini was a successful opera composer, especially of comic opera. He wrote the Petite Messe solenelle some 30 years after composing his last opera William Tell. Rossini referred to this Mass as “…the last mortal sin of my old age.” He modestly called it a “little Composition” but it is a graceful work, relying for its structure on melody, line and rhythm.
“This second concert of Cantando’s 30th year is special for three main reasons,” says Musical Director Rupert D’Cruze. “The first is that it demonstrates the choir’s ability to tackle serious works from the classical sacred repertoire. Secondly, collaboration with Waikato University’s Conservatorium of Music enables Cantando to fulfill one of its founding principles: to encourage young local musicians and provide them with performance opportunities. And thirdly, we will be following Rossini’s original scoring for the work, using as accompaniment a harmonium and two pianos.”
Students from the University’s Conservatorium of Music play a crucial role in this concert, and Cantando is delighted to welcome them. Felicity Tompkins and Calla Knudson-Hollebon, sopranos; Cecily Shaw and Katie Trigg, mezzo sopranos; Aidan Phillips, baritone; Taylor Wallbank and Emmanuel Fuimaono, tenors, together with bass Ian Campbell, will share the solo roles. Cantando’s regular accompanist, David Woodcock, plays the harmonium part, and is joined by Sheena Shi and Tamina Beveridge, from the Conservatorium of Music, on the two pianos.
This concert promises to be a memorable experience. Seating is limited, so be sure to secure your tickets early.
Tickets: Ticket Prices (General Admission): Adults $30, Senior and Unwaged $25, Student with ID $20, Family (2 Adults and 2 Children) $70 (additional children $10, under fives free). Group Bookings (10 seats) $200