Rossini’s ‘Petite Messe Solennelle’ at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Gioachino Antonio Rossini’s death, Teatru Manoel is presenting his Petite Messe Solennelle performed by the renowned Ghislieri Choir and Consort conducted by Giulio Prandi, an expert of the Rossinian voice, on Wednesday, 4 April at 8pm at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Valletta.

Petite Messe Solennelle (Little solemn mass) was written in 1863, possibly at the request of Count Alexis Pillet-Will for his wife Louise to whom it is dedicated. The composer, who had retired from composing operas more than 30 years before, described it as “the last of my péchés de vieillesse” (sins of old age).

The Ghislieri Choir and Consort was founded by Giulio Prandi in 2003 and is today one of the most appreciated Italian period instruments ensembles of its generation. It is the ensemble in residency at the historical Collegio Ghislieri in Pavia and participates in the most important Italian and European festivals.

Interestingly the Collegio Ghislieri and Valletta were both funded in 1566 by Pope Pius V (born Antonio Ghislieri). His bust by Algardi is situated in front of the Law Courts in Valletta.

While the mass is named Petite Messe Solennelle it is anything but Petite or Solennelle and it is very unusually scored for small choir, soloists, piano and harmonium.

Conductor Giulio Prandi

Gioachino Antonio Rossini