Choir with accordion! Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle

Summer starts with Rossini! Come on Saturday, 5th July at 7.30 to St. John’s Farncombe to enjoy his last work, composed thirty years after his forty operas - his Petite Messe Solennelle. George de Voil will conduct the Godalming Choral Society, with professional soloists accompanied by piano and accordion. This was an unusual choice by Rossini, who wanted to create an intimate atmosphere, not a barrage of sound – hence the Little Mass. It meant so much to the composer, maybe as a pathway to Heaven, that he wrote at the end of the manuscript, “May you be blessed and grant me Paradise.”

George writes, “One of Rossini’s most well-loved works, it has often been remarked upon that the Petite Messe Solennelle is neither small nor solemn; in fact, it overflows with drama on a grand scale. This elaborate masterpiece combines the composer’s skill as a musical storyteller and his unparalleled gift as a tunesmith, with a deeply touching sensitivity and religious sensibility. The result is a truly touching work which will thrill and move the choir and audience alike".

For this performance, we will be joined by the supple, appealing tones of the accordion (rather than the traditional harmonium), played by GCS Children’s Choir maestro Ben de Souza, a specialist in the piece. His instrument will contrast well with the percussive qualities of the piano to give a colourful accompaniment, supporting and enhancing the choral parts rather than overwhelming us in the intimate setting of St John’s church.”

George is a fantastic young conductor, recently heard on BBC Radio 3 and fresh from triumphant performances of Dream of Gerontius in Guildford Cathedral and Elijah in Charterhouse Chapel. Soloists are outstanding young opera and oratorio singers Danni O’Neill (soprano), Lydia Shariff (mezzo-soprano), James Robinson(tenor), and Charlie Baigent (baritone). Ben de Souza (accordion) and Oliver Sullivan will accompany at the piano.

St. John’s is a great venue with good acoustics following renovation. Interval drinks are available.