Presented by the Choirs of
Church of the Holy Spirit and Christ Church

Parker Kitterman, Conductor
Seth Trumbore and Sue Ellen Echard, Piano
Matthew Eng, Organ

Soloists from Christ Church and Holy Spirit

“A feast for the ears! Curiously titled, as it is neither small nor particularly solemn, this work is full of fascinating colors and contradictions: operatic exuberance and polyphonic restraint, salon-style intimacy and regal grandeur, deep spirituality and irreverent humor.”

On March 1, 5pm, the combined choirs and soloists of Christ Church, Philadelphia and Church of the Holy Spirit, with directors Parker Kitterman, Sue Ellen Echard, pianist Seth Trumbore and Matthew Eng organist, will offer Gioachino Rossini’s seldom-heard late masterpiece, the Petite Messe Solennelle. “Curiously titled, as it is neither small nor particularly solemn, this work is full of fascinating colors and contradictions: operatic exuberance and polyphonic restraint, salon-style intimacy and regal grandeur, deep spirituality and irreverent humor. The Petite Messe is particularly innovative in its integration of piano and harmonium accompaniment (a newly invented 19th c. instrument), and in its use of a wide range of vocal solo, duet, trio, quartet, and choral textures. A feast for the ears! “