Premièred in 1846 at the Birmingham Festival, Elijah has been a popular piece within the British choral repertory, and first performed by Ipswich Choral Society in 1851. In 1947, a performance of Elijah was given by Ipswich Choral Society for the centenary of Mendelssohn's death and soloists included soprano Isobel Baillie and contralto Kathleen Ferrier. In 1980, Ipswich Choral Society performed Elijah at Christchurch in Ipswich with then up-and-coming soprano soloist, Lesley Garrett.
Special guests Halifax Choral Society, founded in 1817, will be celebrating their 200th anniversary this year and performing Elijah with Ipswich Choral Society at the Snape concert as well as a performance in Halifax on 19th March. With Ipswich Choral Society founded in 1824, having the two longest established choral societies performing together will result in a very special concert for both choirs and the audience.
Ipswich Choral Society has begun work on Mendelssohn’s popular oratorio Elijah with rehearsals being caught on camera by members of Ipswich and District Photographic Society. An exhibition will be held at Snape Malting Concert Hall on 29 April showcasing the best photos from rehearsals and the performance of Elijah in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Ipswich Choral Society with special guests Halifax Choral Society present Mendelssohn's Elijah
- Conductor: Robin Walker, ICS Music Director
- Soprano: Claire Weston
- Contralto: Susan Moore
- Tenor: James Elliott
- Baritone: Garry Magee
- Kingfisher Sinfonietta, leader Beth Spendlove
In collaboration with Ipswich and District Photographic Society The photograph for the poster was provided by IDPS member, Peter Smith.
Tickets also available direct from ICS members or Snape Maltings Box Office 01728 687110
