Peekskill, NY - Finishing off its 2011-2012 season and continuing its tradition of presenting an annual choral masterwork by an opera composer, Taconic Opera will be offering two performances of Petite Messe Solenelle by Gioacchino Rossini, the composer of The Barber of Seville, Cinderella (La Cenerentola), and many others.

Since this work is a favorite among choral singers, the company is extending an invitation to them to collaborate in this concert program featuring the Taconic Opera chorus, and professional lead singers and orchestra.  The concert will be conducted under the baton of Dan Montez, General Director of the Taconic Opera.

Completed in Rossini’s later years and one of very few works he offered to the public during those years, he describes with characteristic wit why he chose to write a sacred mass:  "Good God—behold completed this poor little Mass.  You know well, I was born for comic opera.  Little science, a little heart, that is all.  So may you be blessed, and grant me Paradise!”  The Emperor Napolean found the mass to be neither little (Petite), solemn (Solennelle) or even liturgical.  Audiences find this controversial but exciting work fascinating, unique, and a true pleasure for the ear and the heart to experience.

Performances are at the Ossining United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 7:30pm, and Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 3:00pm.  Chorus rehearsals will take place on 801 Kitchewan Road (Route 134) and will begin around March 28 and will continue on Saturdays from 3-5pm and Wednesdays from 7-9pm until the concert dates.

Choral singers wishing to learn the piece for the first time or eager to wipe the dust off of their old score are encouraged to join.  There are no membership fees, but singers must supply their own music.  A short, painless, friendly audition is required and will be done by appointment at a convenient time for the auditioner.  For further questions, concerns or to schedule an audition, contact Mary Corda: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (914) 649-1826.

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