Name: CONCERT: Mendelssohn's Elijah
Start: 2024-11-23T19:30:00+00:00
Location: Salisbury Cathedral

As rehearsals get underway for the next SMS concert on 23 November in Salisbury Cathedral, it is worth reflecting that since the SMS centenary in 2023, the choir has grown in size; has a new identity and logo which better reflects what SMS is about; AND, thanks to several very talented choir members, a new website has been launched. Do take a look? There is much to be joyful about and not least, that the last two concerts have attracted much larger, near capacity Cathedral audiences. It reflects the high standard of performance, the soloists and, without doubt, our brilliant conductors David Halls and John Challenger.

Well-loved and steeped in tradition, Felix Mendelssohn’s most monumental oratorio Elijah brings the sacred to life with operatic gusto. Like most oratorios, Elijah is based on a Biblical story. The prophet Elijah has predicted a drought: punishment for those who worship the false God Baal. This includes King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel. After Elijah is proved right, he persuades the people to repent – and to K*ll Baal’s prophets. Their faith is rewarded with storm clouds and rain. But Jezebel, furious, forces Elijah into exile.

Alone and hopeless in the wilderness, Elijah is consoled first by angels and then – after a mighty storm, an earthquake and a fire – by God himself. Following his trials, Elijah is whisked up to heaven in a fiery chariot. It ends with a profound reflection on the glory of God and a triumphant ‘Amen’.

Elijah received its first performance on 26 August 1846 in Birmingham and The Times wrote: “Never was there a more complete triumph – never a more thorough and speedy recognition of a great work of art.” Most striking perhaps is the significant role of the chorus in pushing the action onward. Elijah soon overtook Handel’s Messiah in popularity, remaining the most performed oratorio for most of the nineteenth century. Come and decide for yourself!

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