The Magic of Mendelssohn
Posted by sop2 on 15/09/2009
Magic of Mendelssohn
“The Magic of Mendelssohn” is the title of Shrewsbury Choral Society’s next concert which is taking place in Shrewsbury Abbey on Saturday 14th November at 7:30pm.
The concert will be performed by the SCS and Orchestra and conducted by Martin Schellenberg. The Choir and orchestra will be joined by soloists John Cunningham (baritone – as Elijah), Gemma Busfield (soprano), Clare Bartrum (alto), and Mikael Onelius from Birmingham Conservatoire.
Conductor and Musical Director, Martin Schellenberg said: “‘Elijah‘ was written by Felix Mendelssohn in 1846 for the Birmingham Festival. This highly dramatic, lyrical and exciting composition depicts various events in the life of the Biblical prophet Elijah. It has fantastic impetus, and real beauty in many of the arias and choruses. It is full of orchestral and choral colour, and reflects Mendelssohn’s own genius as an early Romantic composer.
“‘Elijah‘ was popular at its premiere and has been frequently performed, ever since. It is a particular favorite. The first performance, conducted by Mendelssohn himself, took place on the 26th August 1846 before an audience of two thousand who had packed into Birmingham Town Hall for the eagerly-awaited event. It was an unprecedented success. The work is scored for four vocal soloists (bass/baritone, tenor, alto, soprano), a full symphony orchestra and a large chorus singing in four, occasionally eight or three (women only) parts”.
