SINGING group Sarum Voices is performing Rossini’s Petite Messe Solonelle in Salisbury next month.

The piece will be directed by Ben Lamb and performed in its original form with piano and harmonium accompaniment at St Martin’s Church on August 30.

Rossini wrote Petite Messe Solonnelle in Paris in 1863 at the age of 71, having retired more than 30 years earlier from his career in Italian opera.

He intended it to be performed in the salon of a Parisian townhouse by twelve singers with the soloists doubling the chorus.

They will be accompanied by Alistair Watson on piano and Cathy Lamb, who will play harmonium through the Hauptwerk virtual pipe organ system, which is a computer-based programme that allows the player to trigger samples of individual pipes using a keyboard.

Sarum Voices aims to honour Rossini’s specifications by using a small choir and allocating solos from within the ensemble of singers.

Tickets cost £12 and are available from the Salisbury Playhouse box office on 01722 320333 or on the door.

ASH MILLS