A composer’s master choral work is to be performed in concert by the Newark Choral Society.
Under the baton of Robert-John Edwards, the society will be performing Gioachino Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle, at Barnbygate Methodist Church.
Society chairman, Mr Michael Wilson, said: This choral work is mis-named because it is not small nor is it solemn.
“Rossini was upset with the church authorities in Paris for not allowing him to use female singers in the cathedrals or churches in the city. So he composed this setting of the Mass for 14 friends, including 4 soloists, two pianos and a harmonium to be performed in the living room of his home.”
The soloists are Caroline Sharpe (soprano), Rosie Braddy (mezzo-soprano), Harun Tekin (tenor) and Stephen Holloway (bass-baritone).
All the soloists have sung with the society previously and are delighted to return to sing this challenging work.
The accompanists will be Sara Wilander, from Birmingham, on piano with Mike Dutton playing the harmonium.
Mr Wilson added: “The soloists each have key movements to sing alone but there are duets, trios and quartets as well as at times dialogue involving chorus and soloists. It is almost an opera setting of the Latin Mass.
“Rossini was a master tune writer and this “revenge” against the church authorities is full of them. The big movements for the chorus involve fugues and repeats plus extra codas, singing “Amen” for over 20 pages demands great concentration for members of Newark Choral Society.”
The concert will take place on Saturday, May 18, at 7.30pm.
Tickets are priced at £15 and are available from newarkchoral628@gmail.com or from members of the society.
