Orchestra, Concert Choir, Civic Chorale Perform "Elijah" Oct. 22

Date: 10/11/06
Contact: Marc Lebovitz

The next big event in the School of Music Gold Series at Illinois State University will be a performance of Mendelssohn's "Elijah" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, in the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall.

The Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir and Civic Chorale will join forces for the annual joint collaboration with soloists John Koch as Elijah along with faculty vocalists Christopher Hollingsworth, Kathleen Randles and Michelle Vought. Karyl Carlson, director of Choral Activities at Illinois State, will conduct.

Tickets are $10 for the general public, $8 for faculty-staff and $7 for students and senior citizens. Children 6 and younger are free. Tickets are available at the CPA box office from noon to 5 p.m. weekday, by calling (309) 438-2535, or on line at www.ticketmaster.com

Originally written in German and based on the Lutheran Bible, "Elijah" premiered in 1846 and, for a time, surpassed Hendel's "Messiah" in popularity. The work was translated to English by William Bartholomew under Mendelssohn's supervision. Part one of "Elijah" contains much dramatic action as Elijah performs great deeds and miracles. Part Two deals with Elijah's inner struggle against fear, failure and discouragement.

Mendelssohn creates a dramatic continuity and powerful sense of forward motion with his music. The words tell the story, but the music lets us feel the sorrow, anger, exultation, despair, and faith -- the human emotions -- that are felt by Elijah, the Priests of Baal and the People of Israel.