Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

What a spectacular treat is was to hear @vaecinci offer a special program for the 2026 @mayfestivalcincy, a rare U.S. performance of Gioacchino Rossini’s late masterpiece Petite messe solennelle.
Scored for the unusual combination of SATB soloists, SATB chorus, harmonium and two pianos, it ended up being one of the last works Rossini completed in his lifetime, premiering in 1864 at his home in Paris. The assembled singers and musicisns this evening at @christchurchcathedralcincy gave a performance that was truly for the ages. The chorus was in immaculate form under the leadership of music director Joe Miller with impeccably flawless tone and passion, and four guest soloists each brought their own unique flair to the music.
Standout choral highlights included the opening multi-sectional Kyrie which showed off a more intimate side of Rossini not often side outside of his operas, the extended fugues which closed out the Gloria and Credo, and an a-cappella setting of the Sanctus with solo quartet.
Soprano Laura Strickling, substituting for an indisposed Amanda Woodbury, presented a lighter air in her voice than might be typical for Rossini but maintained the music’s intimate spirit very well. Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano was equally wonderful throughout, particularly in the powerful timbre she brought to the closing Agnus Dei. Tenor Victor Cardamone brought a bright, ebulliently ringing sound to his extensive solo and quartet contributions, as did bass-baritone Dashon Burton in the Quoniam, Domine Deus and Gratias sections of the Gloria.
Highest praise goes to pianist Michael Chertock, who provided wonderfully vivid and insightfully passionate accompaniments to the proceedings in a far too rare turn in the solo spotlight, more so in the Preludio Religioso which bridged the Credo and Sanctus. Christina Haan on second piano and Michael Unger on harmonium were equally enjoyable to see and hear.
What a treat it is to have a group of this caliber bring spectacular music such as this to the people of Cincinnati, and I hope this may inspire more performances in the US of Rossini’s messe in years to come. Eagerly looking forward to what awaits for VAE in 2026-27!