Rossini's "Petite Messe Solennelle" with the University of Auckland Chamber Choir: a staged performance

Abstract

Marking the 150th anniversary of composer Rossini’s death, the University of Auckland Chamber Choir (ACC) is proud to present his Petite Messe Solennelle. “Dear Lord, here it is finished, this poor little mass. Have I just written sacred music, or rather, sacrilegious music? I was born for opera, as you well know. Not much technique, a little bit of heart, that’s all. Blessings to you and grant me Paradise.” -Gioachino Rossini. In this project, developed in collaboration with Dance Studies lecturer Sarah Knox, ACC presented an embodied performance of Rossini's work. Knox writes, “Petite Messe Solennelle presents us with an epic and curious score to explore through movement in the grand expanse of St Matthew-in-the-City. The choreographic direction engaged ideas of ritual, procession, service and community that might be found in the sacred space of the church, combined with hints (and sometimes lashings) of the drama and theatricality of opera. Through spatial formations, pathways and pedestrian actions we have aimed to capture elements of humour, spice and glory within the score, and to present to audience members a new experience of the Auckland Chamber Choir, that will echo around, within and through both bodies and spaces.” (With this project, the collaboration with Sarah and the Dance department took the creative work of Music and Dance into a public venue. 350 people attended)