A Prestigious Musical Event in Fontainebleau: Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle Conducted by Thomas Hengelbrock

From 10 to 12 October 2025, the historic Château de Fontainebleau will host three exceptional evenings dedicated to one of the most moving masterpieces of the 19th-century sacred repertoire: Petite Messe Solennelle (“Little Solemn Mass ») by Gioachino Rossini.

This major cultural event will feature the world-renowned Balthasar Neumann Choir under the direction of Thomas Hengelbrock, accompanied by an outstanding cast of internationally acclaimed soloists. It promises a rare artistic experience, blending historical heritage, musical excellence, and spiritual depth.

Thomas Hengelbrock © Mina Esfandiari

Composed in 1863, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle is one of the composer’s final and most profound works. Combining the lyricism of Italian opera with sacred devotion, the composition is an intimate yet monumental meditation on faith, hope, and beauty.

The unique scoring — for choir, soloists, piano, and harmonium — highlights Rossini’s refined artistry and his ability to convey deep emotion through simplicity and grace. More than a sacred composition, the Petite Messe Solennelle is a timeless dialogue between humanity and the divine.

This exceptional performance will bring together an outstanding cast of soloists:

• Emy Gazeilles, soprano
• Eva Zaïcik, alto
• Moritz Kallenberg, tenor
• Guilhem Worms, bass

They will join forces with the celebrated Balthasar Neumann Choir, known for its stylistic precision and artistic depth.

Accompaniment will be provided by:

• Andreas Küppers, piano
• Christophe Henry, harmonium

All under the inspired direction of Thomas Hengelbrock, whose profound musical insight and interpretative brilliance have made him one of the leading conductors of our time.

The Château de Fontainebleau, one of France’s most magnificent royal residences, offers an exceptional setting for this prestigious event. Its rich history and remarkable acoustics will amplify the emotional power of Rossini’s music, creating an unforgettable concert experience.

Dates:

• Friday 10 October 2025
• Saturday 11 October 2025
• Sunday 12 October 2025

Venue: Château de Fontainebleau, historic concert hall

Reservation:  Visit the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble website for details and booking.

As a leading international advisory firm, Coffra group is proud to support the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble and Thomas Hengelbrock in their mission to promote classical music at the highest artistic level. Our commitment to culture reflects our core values — excellence, dialogue, and cross-border collaboration — which guide our work for international businesses in France.

Join us for an unforgettable musical journey at the Château de Fontainebleau and witness one of the masterpieces of sacred music brought to life by some of the most distinguished artists of our time.