Petite Messe Solennelle

Gioachino Rossini’s *Petite Messe Solennelle* is a work that playfully contradicts its own title—it is neither particularly small nor strictly solemn. Yet beneath the composer’s characteristic wit lies a deeply personal and tender meditation on faith and mortality. Composed late in his life, Rossini described it as “the final mortal sin of my old age,” blending the theatrical brilliance and unforgettable melodies of his comic operas with an unexpected spiritual depth. Cathedral Choral Society performs this intimate work at Washington National Cathedral, presenting it as scored for full chorus, four vocal soloists, two pianos, and harmonium—an instrumentation that gives the Mass both a chamber-like delicacy and a radiant, optimistic character.

When: Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Showtimes: 6:00 PM.

Tickets: Subscription packages and individual tickets go on sale in late summer 2026. Price is not yet available; sign up for the mailing list or follow Cathedral Choral Society on social media for updates.

Lineup: Cathedral Choral Society, with vocal soloists (to be announced), two pianos, and harmonium.

Venue: Washington National Cathedral.

Note: Rossini’s own words about the work: “A little technique, a little heart, that is all.”