The University of Aberdeen Choral Society will showcase its home-grown talent this weekend with a performance in Aberdeen’s St Machar’s Cathedral.
The Choral Society, conducted by Dr Paul Mealor, Senior Lecturer in Music at the University, will perform Rossini’s Petite Messe Solenelle on Sunday (November 26), at 7.45pm.
The music will be performed by AmyBeth Smith, soprano; Agnes Bradley, mezzo soprano; Matthew Marriott, tenor; Paul Tierney, baritone. AmyBeth, Agnes and Paul are recent graduates of the University’s Music Department. Matthew is currently studying for a Master’s Degree at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow.
Dr Mealor said: “The Petite Messe Solennelle is the most substantial of the works written during Rossini's Indian summer of composition. It was composed in 1863 for private performance and is scored for four soloists and chorus, with harmonium and piano accompaniment. It was not heard in public until 1869, the year after his death, when it was performed in the composer's own orchestral version at the Théâtre Italien.
“The work's title is misleading, since the Petite Messe Solennelle is neither petite nor particularly solemn. It lasts well over an hour, and despite the religious text is unmistakeably operatic in style.
“The music ranges from hushed intensity to boisterous high spirits, and abounds in the memorable tunes and rhythmic vitality for which Rossini became justly famous.
“Come along and enjoy what is going to be a truly memorable evening!”
Tickets are priced £7.50 standard, £5 concession, £2.50 children from Aberdeen Box Office, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS. (01224 641122, www.abdnboxoffice.com) or at the door until sold out.