Amor Artis’ final concert of the 2011-2012 season will be a seldom heard performance of Rossini’s majestic Petite Messe Solennelle. The performance, conducted by Stephen Somary, will take place at the Church of St. Ignatius of Antioch on 87th Street and West End Avenue at 8:00PM on Friday, May 18. Scored for chorus, four soloists, two pianos and harmonium, this work was written near the end of Rossini’s life and years after his well-storied self-imposed retirement from composing. The Petite Messe Solennelle is a spectacular culmination of Rossini’s compositional skills, combining his faith and operatic expertise with a special dexterity and passion. There are melodies to remember for a lifetime, as well as an ethereal force driving the entire mass. Written in 1863, the 90-minute long Petite Messe Solennelle became an instant hit throughout Europe, causing Rossini to orchestrate the work a few years later for symphony orchestra – but only begrudgingly. He is quoted in a letter as saying “even though my version for pianos and harmonium is my true intention of the work, I had to orchestrate it for fear that if I didn’t, someone else would.” Please join us for this special concert, filled with Rossini’s joy, enthusiasm, and deep introspection. Tickets are available for purchase on this website, or by calling 212 874-4513.

As Choir-in-Residence at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Soho, the Amor Artis Chorus will be singing its trademark polyphony at three more masses this season. The dates are Sunday, May 6, Sunday, May 27 (Pentecost Sunday), and Sunday, June 3 – all at 12:45PM.

Friday, May 18, 2012 at 8:00PM

Heather Meyer, Soprano
Megan Friar, Alto
Gregory Mercer, Tenor
Kevin Deas, Bass
Orion Weiss, Piano 1
Anna Polonsky, Piano 2
Douglas Keilitz, Harmonium
Amor Artis Chorus
Stephen Somary, Conductor
Church of St. Ignatius of Antioch