ABOUT THE CONCERT

Rossini’s romantic masterpiece, Petite Messe Solennelle, is suited for the smaller, chamber-musicla format that the ensemble specializes in, in its original form, where there is only piano and harmonium to accompany the singers (the work was later arranged by the composer for a symphonic setting with large choir). Thus the work will be performed by merely 9 singers, all soloists who share soli – accompanied by piano and accordion (usage of accordion instead of harmonium is rather common, as the instrument has a similar sound-production mechanism). The work’s title contains a typical Rossini-humor and modesty: it is a big high-mass (Messe Solennelle), yet he calls it “small” (Petite), perhaps in reference to the format that the work was originally intended for. The ensemble wishes to precisely reflect these two elements – the works grandiosity, as well as its chamber-musical nature.

Singers:

Soprano: Lise Bech Bendix, Anna Carina Sundstedt

Alto: Isolde Ehinger, Helle Grarup, Simone Rønn

Tenor: Gabriel Sin, Kieran White

Bass: Ørjan Hartveit, Steffen Bruun

Piano: Christina Bjørkøe

Accordion: Yngvild Ruud

Conductor: Jonathan Ofir

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes incl. break