Opening Concert / Giacomo Puccini - "Messa di Gloria"

St. Gumbertus church in Ansbach hosts a rare gem of choral literature: Giacomo Puccini's "Messa di Gloria" for soloists, choir and orchestra.

This seldom-performed early work by the future opera master blends the solemnity of sacred music with the melodic expressiveness and dramatic intensity that made Puccini's operas world-famous. Written in 1880 as the young composer's graduation piece, the mass covers all sections of the Ordinary - from intimate lyrical passages to powerful choral writing and virtuosic solo moments.

Performing are soloists Lukas Schmidt (tenor) and Felix Rathgeber (bass), the Ansbacher Kantorei together with the Jakobschor Rothenburg (chorus preparation: Jasmin Neubauer), and an expanded Ansbacher Kammerorchester. The evening serves as a musical prelude to the Grüne Nacht, bringing together sacred tradition and Italian vocal beauty.