Petite Messe Solennelle

Cathedral Choral Society presents Gioachino Rossini’s *Petite Messe Solennelle*, an intimate and spiritually searching work that is neither as “little” nor as solemn as its title suggests. The piece combines the theatrical flair and memorable melodies associated with Rossini’s comic operas—including demanding, virtuosic arias—with unusual tenderness and spiritual depth.

This optimistic meditation on faith and mortality was scored for chorus, soloists, two pianos, and harmonium. Rossini described it as his final plea for paradise and, with characteristic irony, called it the “final mortal sin” of his old age.

When: Sunday, October 25, 2026

Showtime: 6:00 p.m. ET

Venue: Washington National Cathedral

Presented by: Cathedral Choral Society

Work: *Petite Messe Solennelle* by Gioachino Rossini

Performers: Cathedral Choral Society chorus and soloists, accompanied by two pianists and harmonium

Tickets: Price not available

Organizer note: The performance is presented by Cathedral Choral Society, a 501(c)(3) performing arts organization separate from Washington National Cathedral. Although the concert takes place in the cathedral, it is not a Washington National Cathedral production.