Concert Review - Petite Messe Solennelle
Petite Messe Solennelle was last performed by YPC way back 2005 and for many more recent members was a new addition to their repertoire - what a wonderful choice for the choir’s 70th season!
Written in 1863 when Rossini was 72 and had long since retired from writing operas, it inevitably is bursting with beautiful operatic melodies, elaborate flourishes and the most dramatic dynamics.
Saturday saw a joyous and enthusiastic performance in the majestic setting of Wakefield Cathedral. From the delicacy and sensitivity in Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine to the powerful demands in Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, every possible emotion was expressed, communicated and shared with the appreciative audience.
The line-up of some of the country’s finest soloists - Sarah Fox, Gaynor Keeble, Chris Why and Ben Davies - added to the treat for both choir and audience with their stunning interpretations of Rossini’s music. The whole performance was underpinned by Tom Moore who played the fiendish piano part and Gareth Green’s consummate skill on harmonium gave the work its unique quality.
Ultimately the success of the performance was down to the inspirational leadership of Andrew Padmore whose interpretation, dynamics and tempi produced a breathtaking performance that was a joy to behold and will live on for years to come. A fitting tribute to Andrew’s final season with the choir after 34 years establishing and leading one of the finest choirs in the country.
Andrew has chosen Elgar’s The Music Makers for his final concert on June 17th.
Tickets are now on sale … and they are going quickly, don’t delay!
