Mendelssohn’s choral masterpiece Elijah is being performed by Harpenden Choral Society with a cast of international soloists at the Alban Arena next Saturday, June 18.
The concert at 7.30pm is to celebrate 40 years of making music and will be conducted by John Andrews.
It will feature award-winning baritone Simon Thorpe, singing the title role of Elijah with Sarah Redgwick, soprano, Deborah Miles-Johnson, mezzo soprano and Nick Ransley, tenor. Orchestral accompaniment comes from The Kings Sinfonietta.
Elijah opened in 1846 to great acclaim with The Times reporting 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.
Full of Old Testament drama, Elijah’s spectacular and lyrical story is retold through its many arias and choruses. It features 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’s glorious ascension into heaven in a blazing chariot.
Tickets are £16 for adults and £6 for students available from box office manager Tricia Beavis at tickets@harpendenchoralsociety.org /01582 419379 or contact the Arena box office on 01727 844488 or email aaboxoffice@1life.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here