Rossini - Petite Messe Solenelle - Saturday 30th March 2019

"A sparkling performance by Reading Haydn Choir.

I thoroughly enjoyed Saturday's performance of Rossini's Petite Messe Solenelle at St Joseph's College.  The choir was at its best and all four soloists sang beautifully, very ably accompanied by the piano and harmonium.  It was great to see so many people in the audience. Like me, they will be glad they didn't miss this performance."

AM - Oxford

"What came across was your enthusiasm for this lovely music, your sheer enjoyment of the wonderful Italian operatic melodies and light-touch Rossini harmony. It's a work that gives unique access to this style of music for choral societies, where 'Solennelle' is in fact the much more usual diet. You absolutely captured the feeling of joy and delight. Diction was superb: it helps that the text is familiar to both singers and audience for an aura of relaxed confidence on all sides. What I was most taken with though was the excellent bright intonation throughout. Was this the work, or is this normal for RHC? It's a long time since I've been to a RHC concert so perhaps you're always like this! Whatever the answer, congratulations on a thoroughly uplifting and joyful performance."

FJ - Reading