| Music
‘Petite Messe Solennelle’, by Gioachino Rossini

Second production of this 2024-2025 Concert Season, framed in the 2025 Concert Cycle – Winter and Spring organized by the Manacor City Council. Petite Messe Solennelle by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) was composed in 1863 and is the last great work of the Italian composer, known as one of the jewels of the sacred repertoire of the 19th century.

With an ironic title, the work combines moments of spiritual depth with the melodic freshness characteristic of Rossini. Originally written for soloists, choir, two pianos and harmonium, this intimate and original version reflects the composer's genius in balancing simplicity and solemnity. Rossini himself described it as “the last mortal sin of my old age”. An essential piece that unites tradition and emotion with timeless beauty.

Under the musical direction of Giuliana Retali, the performances include soprano Maia Planas, contralto Mar Campo, tenor Roger Berenguer, baritone Pablo López, the Art Vocal Ensemble choir, conducted by Llorenç Gelabert, pianists Jaume Tomàs and Pau Oliver and harmonium player Lear Suter.