CHOIR: ROSSINI: PETITE MESSE SOLENNELLE

Saturday 17 May 2025, 7.30pm

Chester Cathedral

Heather Buckmaster soprano
Joyce Tindsley mezzo-soprano
Elgan LLyr Thomas tenor
Armand Rabot bass
Chester Music Society Choir
Graham Eccles Piano
Jon Barton harmonium
Graham Jordan Ellis conductor

Tickets, priced at £30 (nave), £25 (West Steps) and £15 (side aisles).
CLICK HERE to read more about ticketing
CLICK HERE to go direct to the online booking page

The Petite messe Solennelle is structured in several extended movements in the tradition of the missa solemnis, but the composer labelled it petite with a grain of irony. He wrote on the last page of the autograph manuscript

Dear Lord, here it is finished, this poor little mass. Have I just written sacred music, or rather, sacrilegious music? I was born for opera buffa, as you well know. Not much technique, a little bit of heart, that's all. Blessings to you and grant me Paradise.

The unusual scoring for voices, piano and harmonium is in the Neapolitan harpsichord tradition of the 18th century. Rossini specified, on the second page of his manuscript, twelve singers in all, noting on the title page: "Twelve singers of three sexes, men, women and castrati will suffice for its execution: that is, eight for the choir, four soloists, in all twelve cherubim".

Presentation to David Woods

Since his retirement from Manchester University David Woods has been involved with all aspects of the running of Chester Music Society for over 18 years.

This tribute has been written by our current Chairman, Mick Clarke.

Read more ...

Tickets and Venues

BUY TICKETS

Ticket prices are shown with each concert throughout this website.
Tickets may be purchased: at the door (subject to availability), or in advance:

FOR CELEBRITY CONCERTS:
By telephone: Ticket Source 0333 666 3366
Online: follow this link

FOR CHOIR CONCERTS:
By telephone: Chester Cathedral 01244 500959;
In person: at Chester Cathedral Reception Desk
Online: click on Concert Calendar on this website and follow the link to the desired concert  page, where you will find a direct link to the ticket purchase site.
(Please note that the Cathedral charge a £2 fee per transaction for all purchases including on the door before concerts)

For further information about choir concert tickets please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

FOR SHOWCASE CONCERTS:
At the door only, £8 (Students £3)

SEASON TICKETS: SAVINGS AND DISCOUNTS
You can purchase season tickets for both Celebrity (£64) and Showcase (£25) events at a substantial saving. Download the Application form HERE

CONCESSIONARY PRICES:

Tickets are free for full-time students, under 18s and essential companions assisting people with disabilities.

For Choir concerts concessions, contact the Cathedral Office 01244 500959.

Concessionary tickets for Celebrity Concerts may be booked on line. Concessions for Showcase concerts are available at the door.

Previous Showcase Concerts

The Chester Music Society Showcase Section, formerly Club Section, has enjoyed concert performances by many local performers since its foundation in 1994. They are listed below by concert season.

Read more ...

HOME PAGE

Welcome to the Chester Music Society website. We have  been engaged in the promotion and performance of classical music in the City of Chester since 1946 and are committed to providing direct musical involvement and enjoyment for many, particularly by bringing increased musical experience to the rising generation. As a Charity our objectives are to provide, maintain, improve and advance education in the widest sense of the word by furthering public appreciation of music. We present more than 20 concerts and musical events in Chester each year; our concert season begins in October and continues through May.

Our 2024-25 season is now almost complete, with a choir performance of Rossini's 'Little Mass': Petite Messe Solennelle on 17 May. Details will be found under Concert Calendar. Why not search these pages; you will be pleasantly surprised with what you find. A brief summary of our forthcoming 2025-26 season can be found here.

In addition to our usual music events the Society also publishes news of its various other activities from time to time. Look for NEWS on the side menu, or simply click HERE.

KEEPING YOU INFORMED

In addition to this website we make every effort to keep our regular supporters informed of our plans and activities by email (sent via Mailchimp). If you would like to be added to our confidential mailing lists please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Follow the Choir on Facebook Here

Follow the Celebrity Section on Facebook Here