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THE WORK:Mendelssohn's Elijah is a fiery musical retelling of stories of the biblical prophet from 1 Kings using soloists, chorus, and orchestra. Ahab, King of Israel, has married Jezebel, a woman of Tyre and a Baal worshipper. To punish the Hebrews for turning away from Jehovah, Elijah proclaims a great drought, which persists for three years. During that time, Elijah raises a child from the dead, then returns to confront the Baal priests. After successfully ending the drought, Elijah retreats to the wilderness to escape the wrath of Jezebel. In despair, he eventually encounters the Lord in a still, small voice and is taken into Heaven on a chariot of fire.
Composed in 1846 for the Birmingham Festival in England, the work was an immediate success at its premiere and has remained in the repertory ever since. It includes such famous solos as "If with all your hearts ye truly seek me," "O rest in the Lord," and "It is enough." The choral writing is dramatic and stirring, with such familiar pieces as "He watching over Israel" and "Behold, God the Lord passed by."
THE PERFORMANCE:
Dayspring's performance of Elijah brings together members of the Dayspring Celebration Chorale with singers from the community, including members of the choir at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, singers from ASU, and members of choirs from all around the valley for a true community experience. The orchestra consists of current and former ASU students, including Dayspring's String Quartet in Residence, the Burn City String Quartet.
Soloists include baritone Nathan De'Shon Myers (thenathanmyers.com) in the title role; Emily Gibson, soprano; Miriam Schildkret, mezzo-soprano; Ted Zimnicki, tenor; and John Pierce Kraft, bass. Joining them is mezzo-soprano Megan Law. David Schildkret, Director of Music Ministries at Dayspring, conducts.
ADMISSION:
Admission is by voluntary donation at the door ($15 suggested)
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1365 E Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ, United States, Arizona 85284
