Opera Saratoga
Petite Messe Solennelle
Presented by Opera Saratoga in partnership with The Round Lake Auditorium
Music by Gioachino Rossini
Rossini is remembered primarily for his extraordinary contribution to the Italian operatic repertoire, but he also wrote important pieces of sacred music that are notable, among other things, for their overtly operatic style. The Petite Messe Solennelle, written near the end of Rossini’s life, is scored for four soloists and a chamber chorus, with harmonium and piano accompaniment. It was not heard in public until 1869, the year after his death. The work’s title is misleading, since the Petite Messe Solennelle is neither petite nor particularly solemn. The music ranges from hushed intensity to boisterous high spirits, and the memorable tunes and rhythmic vitality for which Rossini became justly famous are abundant throughout the work.
Festival Artists from Opera Saratoga’s nationally acclaimed Young Artist Program will be featured in these special performances, conducted by Laurie Rogers, at the Round Lake Auditorium. The centerpiece of the Auditorium is the historic 1,900–pipe Ferris Tracker organ. Built in 1847, what was the second largest organ in New York City is now the oldest, largest and unaltered of its kind in the United States. In place of the traditionally used harmonium – a smaller scale pump organ – Opera Saratoga’s performances of the Petite Messe Solennelle will feature the extraordinary Ferris Tracker organ, making these concerts a truly unique and not-to-be missed occasion.
Two performances are scheduled at The Round Lake Auditorium in Round Lake Village, on Thursday, June 2nd and Friday, June 3rd at 7:30pm.