The Petite Messe Solennelle, the final work of Italian
composer Gioacchino Rossini, will make its premiere in the Century
Theater in Beijing on May 4.
As an important program of the Year of Italy in China, the
concert to commemorate Rossini will be conducted by Michele
Campanella, who will also perform as first piano. The Ensemble
Vocale di Napoli will sing the chorus.
Rossini (1792-1868) is remembered as one of the greatest
composers of the 19th Century who laid the foundation for the
revival of Italian opera. Before the age of 37, he composed 38
operas, including Il Barbieredi Siviglia Libretto. In the 39 years
after that, he wrote just a single chorus piece, Petite Messe
Solennelle, before his death.
Campanella will be joined by Italian pianist Monica Leone and
reed organist Daniele Rossi.
The production will later move to Shanghai for the annual
Shanghai Spring International Music Festival.
(Xinhua News Agency April 25, 2006)
