Gioachino Rossini, world famous at 21, admired by Beethoven and Schubert, and the greatest writer of comic opera more or less gave up composing at 37. (Health, wealth, several houses and a new mistress?) However, at the age of 71 he composed the Petite Messe Solennelle, one of the most intriguing works of the 19th century.

Neither short nor solemn, the title is either a joke or refers to the small forces he had in mind: 12 singers (including castrati), two pianos and a harmonium. Behind the shimmering tunefulness is music of great majesty, rigour, depth and hushed solemnity. Too long for a church service, it was first performed in a Parisian salon. Quirkily, it quotes a composer friend writing in the style of Palestrina in the opening Kyrie and has an extended piano solo as the Offertorium. Above all, Rossini’s mature genius for melody and musical architecture is dazzling throughout.

With four superb soloists, a harmonium and the inclusion of a performance of Rossini’s ‘Première communion’ from ‘Péchés de vieillesse’ (‘Sins of Old Age’) by dazzling pianist Julian Littlewood, you are guaranteed a wonderful and memorable spring evening.

Wheelchair Spaces

If you require a wheelchair space for this event, please call 01865 305 305 or email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com for further assistance.

*A fee of £1.50 per transaction applies to bookings for this event across all channels - website, phone and in-person bookings at the Box Office. The fee is waived for Oxford Playhouse members.