Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle
Rossini's lovely work with Jonathan Scott on harmonium
The season concludes with a return to the beautiful City Hall ballroom for a presentation of Rossini’s wonderful ‘Petite Messe Solennelle’, with acclaimed organist Jonathan Scott on harmonium, and the chorus’ previous accompanist Nigel Gyte on piano. The ‘little solemn mass’, written in 1863, will be performed close to the way Rossini originally scored it, for singers, four soloists, piano and harmonium. Despite the name it is a fulsome work, the ‘petite’ referring to the original scoring for just piano and harmonium, which the composer always preferred. The Chorus will be joined by four wonderful soloists, soprano Charlotte La Thrope, alto Margaret McDonald, tenor Richard Rowe and bass Charles Murray.
The concert will include a solo piece for harmonium, together with a short talk about the instrument from Jonathan Scott, who, in addition to his career as an award-winning organist and pianist, is a specialist in music for the harmonium. Jonathan has performed with the BBC Philharmonic, Orchestra of Opera North and Royal Scottish National Orchestra, with solo appearances at the BBC proms and live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3. In collaboration with his brother Tom, Jonathan has released several recordings to great critical acclaim on the Scott Brothers Duo label, and the opportunity to hear him play in the beautiful City Hall ballroom is not to be missed.
Performers
Jonathan Scott (Harmonium), Nigel Gyte (Piano), Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus, Charlotte La Thrope (Soprano), Margaret McDonald (Alto), Richard Rowe (Tenor) and Charles Murray (Bass)
Programme
- Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle