Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle at Eglise Saint‐Sulpice

About the Event

A moving performance of Rossini's choral masterpiece in one of Paris' most sumptuous churches with the Orchestre Helios.

One of Rossini's masterpieces of sacred music, performed here in its original version for soloists, choir, piano, and accordion.
With his Petite messe solennelle, Rossini returned to a genre he had neglected during his career as a composer: sacred music. There are two versions of this work. The first, with a modest ensemble (which earned it the name “petite messe”), brings together four soloists (soprano, contralto, tenor, bass), a mixed choir, piano, and accordion. The other version, reorchestrated by Rossini himself, has a larger ensemble. Regardless of the version, it is a particularly expansive score, lasting an hour and a half, halfway between sacred music and opera.

Dynamic and eclectic, the Hélios orchestra has made a name for itself since its creation in 2014.

Its artistic director, Paul Savalle, promotes the professional integration of young musicians through orchestral practice. Young graduates thus rub shoulders with experienced orchestra musicians, conductors, and soloists in optimal working conditions.

From baroque to contemporary music, the programs are varied, the repertoire is both symphonic and choral, and the orchestra collaborates with departmental and regional choirs.

Thanks to collaborations with different conductors, the musicians tackle a very rich repertoire, broadening their interpretative range. They all come from the major French conservatories, and some belong to a national orchestra.

From string quartets to symphony orchestras and brass ensembles, the orchestra is constantly expanding its audience by varying its composition. The string ensemble performs in the most prestigious churches in Paris, allowing audiences to discover a rich architectural heritage.

Its variable geometry allows the Hélios orchestra to tackle a very wide repertoire with passionate curiosity.