Petite Messe Solennelle

“This little composition…is, alas, the final mortal sin of my old age. A little technique, a little heart, that is all.”

Gioachino Rossini’s *Petite Messe Solennelle* is neither little nor entirely solemn. Yet beneath the wit and irony of its title lies one of Rossini’s most personal creations, which blends the theatrical brilliance and unforgettable melodies of his comic operas—including extraordinary and virtuosic arias—with an almost uncharacteristic tenderness and spiritual depth. Join Cathedral Choral Society for our performance of this intimate and optimistic reflection on faith and mortality, scored for chorus, soloists, two pianos, and harmonium, which served as Rossini’s final plea for paradise.

When: Sunday, October 25, 2026

Showtimes: 6:00 pm ET

Tickets: Price not available

Lineup: Cathedral Choral Society chorus, vocal soloists, two pianos, and harmonium

Composer: Gioachino Rossini

Venue: Washington National Cathedral

Presented by: Cathedral Choral Society, a 501(c)(3) performing arts organization separate from Washington National Cathedral

Note: The concert takes place in Washington National Cathedral, but it is produced by Cathedral Choral Society and is not a Washington National Cathedral production.