Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle Friday 21st August 7.30 pm

21 August 2026 | 7.30pm
The Chapel of Malvern College

Witty, radiant, devout, and disarmingly human, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle stands as one of the great paradoxes of sacred music. Written late in the composer’s life, after decades of operatic triumph, it is a work in which theatrical flair and heartfelt devotion sit side by side — music of charm, depth, and irresistible vitality.

Despite its modest title, the Petite Messe Solennelle is anything but small in imagination. From the hushed intensity of the Kyrie to the exuberant brilliance of the Gloria and the serenity of the Agnus Dei, Rossini combines soaring vocal lines, luminous choral writing, and moments of intimate reflection with flashes of unmistakable operatic sparkle. Sacred text is infused with warmth, wit, and a deeply personal sense of faith.

This performance brings together The Chorus of the Great Malvern Festival of Singing with a superb quartet of soloists: Penglei Liang (soprano), Alison Kettlewell (alto), Roberto Ortiz (tenor), and Simon Thorpe (bass). Together they present Rossini’s extraordinary score under the direction of Jeff Stewart, in the glowing acoustic of the Chapel of Malvern College.

At once joyful and contemplative, playful and profound, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle offers a unique concert experience — sacred music that smiles, sings, and speaks directly to the heart. It is the perfect culmination to a festival that celebrates the many faces of choral expression.

Tickets £15