WETHERBY Choral Society and North Yorkshire Chorus perform Rossini's Messe Solennelle at St James's Parish Church, Wetherby, on Saturday night.
Rossini rather deprecatingly called his 'Petite Messe Solennelle' "the last of the sins of my old age". Napoleon reputedly said it was "neither little nor solemn", but that will be for the audience to decide when encountering a charming work full of beautiful melodies and interesting rhythms, brought to its close by the Agnes Dei.
Saturday's soloists will be soprano Andrea Ryder, mezzo-soprano Julianne Young, tenor Mark Cunningham and bass John Dunford, and the chorus will be accompanied by Marjorie Hodlin on piano and Adrian Selway on organ. This configuration is close to Rossini's original scoring for two pianos and harmonium, a combination appropriate for the salon venues where the Mass had its first performances.
The 7.30pm performance will be conducted by musical director John Dunford. Tickets cost £14 on 01937 583126, choir members and St James's Church office.
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