Mendelssohn's Elijah to fill Liverpool Cathedral with divine sound
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The massed ranks of 350 singers will perform Felix Mendelssohn’s mighty oratorio Elijah in Liverpool Cathedral next month.
The concert, on Saturday, May 16, will feature bass Andrew Greenan – who previously sang the title role in the cathedral 40 years ago – and will also be one of the last performances by cathedral organist Ian Tracey before his retirement.
The other soloists are Kelsey Thomas, Joyce Tindsley and Stefan Kennedy.
Mendelssohn composed his magnificent work for the Birmingham Festival and he conducted the premiere at Birmingham Town Hall in August 1846, just 15 months before he died.
It was given its first performance in Liverpool in December 1847 by the Liverpool Philharmonic Society who performed it in the lecture hall of the Collegiate Institution.
The dramatic oratorio tells the story of the prophet Elijah, as depicted in the Old Testament’s Book I and II of Kings. Through moments of deep faith, struggle and divine encounter, Mendelssohn’s rich and expressive score creates a moving and unforgettable musical journey.
The concert on May 16 will bring together the Liverpool Cathedral Choir alongside a massed choir of singers from across the North West, who will be accompanied by members of the Liverpool Concert Orchestra.
Stephen Mannings, Director of Music at Liverpool Cathedral, said: “Mendelssohn’s Elijah ranks alongside Handel’s Messiah as being one of the all-time great oratorios. We have 350 singers in our chorus alongside the wonderful soloists mentioned.
“Andrew Greenan – principal soloist – first sang the role of Elijah exactly 40 years ago in Liverpool Cathedral, so it’s fantastic to have him reprise this role with us.
“An ensemble of 40 players from the Liverpool Concert Orchestra and the cathedral organ played by Professor Ian Tracey will add breath-taking majesty to the combined choral sound as we bring to life one of the most remembered biblical narratives. This is a concert not to be missed.”
Elijah is at Liverpool Cathedral on Saturday, May 16. Tickets HERE