On May 18th the Ottawa Classical Choir, under the direction of Maestro Michel Brousseau and in association with the Société philharmonique du nouveau monde, presents Petite messe solennelle by Gioachino Rossini. The Italian composer, known for embellished melodies and animated ensembles, described his Petite messe solennelle as the "last of my sins of old age."
Written in 1863, the piece seamlessly blends the sounds of Bach, Mozart, and Fauré, while remaining unmistakably Rossinian. The Ottawa Classical Choir will bring this powerful and moving piece to life. In an effective musical adaptation, the solo parts of the work will be sung by the choir. The OCC will perform along with two pianists including Ottawa’s own Jenna Richards, pianist Danielle Maisonneuve and Mélanie Barney on the harmonium.
For 13 years, the Ottawa Classical Choir has brought the best in classical choral music to Ottawa's music scene and their upcoming performance is no exception. Founded by conductor and musical director Michel Brousseau and Ottawa's soprano Maria Knapik 13 years ago, the OCC enables singers from the National Capital region to bring to their community some of the greatest choral pieces from the classical repertoire.
The OCC is also a founding member of a much larger organization, the “Société Philharmonique du Nouveau Monde”, with 4 choirs from 4 different cities comprising of 150 choristers. They come together to share their musical talents and passion, offering concerts in various venues. The OCC is also invited to sing in an international choir, which tours in European countries.
With its partners, the Ottawa Classical Choir has amassed an impressive classical repertoire including Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, Mozart’s Requiem, Verdi’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Brahm's German Requiem, Orff's Carmina Burana, Puccini's Messa di Gloria and many more.
It has performed in New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall, as well as Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, and many other grandiose venues in Europe.
Rossini, while applying the final touches to his masterpiece, was unsure whether to consider it “Sacred or Sacrilegious.” We will let you decide for yourself. The highly anticipated performance will take place on May 18th, 2019 at 8:00 pm, at Dominion Chalmers Concert Hall, 355 Cooper, Ottawa.
Tickets are available at eventbrite.ca, ottawaclassicalchoir.com, Books on Beechwood, Librairie du Soleil and Leading Note, or from the choristers themselves.
