Mendelssohn - Elijah

Harpenden Choral Society

Experience Mendelssohn’s choral masterpiece as the Harpenden Choral Society celebrates 40 years of making music with this production of Elijah.
Elijah opened in 1846 to thunderous applause and great acclaim; the Times correspondent reported that ‘Never was there a more complete triumph; never a more thorough and speedy recognition of a great work of art.’ It was considered the Messiah of its day, and established Mendelssohn as one of the greatest composers of sacred choral music. It continues to enjoy enormous popularity with audiences today.
This concert will be conducted by John Andrews , and feature soloists Sarah Redgwick, Soprano; Deborah Miles-Johnson, Mezzo Soprano; Robert Anthony Gardiner, Tenor ; and Simon Thorpe, Bass with orchestral accompaniment by The Kings Sinfonietta.
Elijah’s dramatic and lyrical story is retold through the vitality, variety, and beauty of its many arias and choruses. With scenes including Jehovah and Baal battling fiercely for the faith of the children of Israel, Elijah resurrecting a fallen youth from the dead, miraculous rain falling on the parched earth, and ultimately the prophet gloriously ascending into heaven in a blazing chariot, this production, with orchestra and internationally acclaimed soloists, brings to life once again the dramatic story of Elijah’s life, and his struggle to restore and preserve the faith of the dispersed and drought-stricken tribes of Israel.