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)