CHOIR ON SONG FOR FIRST EVENT OF 2025 AS POPULAR WORKSHOP RETURNS

One of Chester's leading choirs is set to stage its first event of 2025, a special tutorial which will give those taking part the opportunity to sing alongside experienced performers.

Chester Bach Singers are set to stage a singing workshop which will delve in to Rossini's famous work 'Petite Messe Solennelle' at St Mary's Creative Space in Chester on Saturday 25^th January at 12.30pm. The workshop will be led by the Choir's Musical Director and Conductor Martin Bussey in collaboration with pianist Catherine Barnett.

Written in 1863, 'Petite Messe Solennelle' was described by Rossini as "The last of my sins of old age". The workshop will take an in-depth look at the work and will conclude with the opportunity to take part in an informal public performance alongside members of Chester Bach Singers and four experienced soloists. The special event which has been a popular fixture in the Choir's calendar for many years will include light refreshments and copies of the score of 'Petite Messe Solennelle' will be provided.

Speaking about the celebrated classical work, Helen Crich, the Chair of Chester Bach Singers said:

"Having ended his triumphant operatic career thirty years previously, at the time of writing 'Petite Messe Solennelle', Rossini was living in Paris enjoying a relaxed lifestyle entertaining friends while also writing short, salon pieces not intended for publication. The music of the longer 'Messe Solennelle' (there’s little about is that is ‘Petite’!) is often exuberant, operatic, and larger than life. Yet, it contains some tender moments and all of it is intensely singable. The chorus movements at the heart of the work are full of memorable musical phrases and present an operatic response to the religious text." 

Helen added:

"This particular piece hasn’t appeared in a Chester Bach Singers concert or workshop before and so, if you have always wanted to sing one of Rossini's most celebrated works, this is your chance to join with us and experienced soloists to sing through a classic of the repertoire at our annual workshop, ending with an informal performance." 

Full details of the Rossini workshop can be found here: 

www.chesterbachsingers.org.uk 

...where places can be booked online.