Described by one audience member as ‘a tremendous evening’, Bexhill Choral Society’s performance of Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’ at the De La Warr Pavilion brought a storm of applause – and rain.
On Saturday May 2nd the De La Warr Pavilion was the setting for an uplifting performance of Mendelssohn’s dramatic oratorio ‘Elijah’ by Bexhill Choral Society, accompanied by the Sussex Concert Orchestra and conducted by Kenneth Roberts.
The oratorio presents the story of the prophet Elijah, sung with great expression by baritone soloist Peter Grevatt, and includes scenes of drought, earthquake, wind and fire, the plea for and then arrival of longed-for rain, and Elijah’s ascent to heaven in a fiery chariot. During the interval it was discovered that Elijah’s plea for rain to break the drought had clearly been successful, as it was raining quite heavily!
Soloists Claire Filer (soprano), Louise Hunter-Bradley (mezzo) and Kristian Thorkildsen (tenor) gave excellent performances in a variety of roles, and choir member Lesley Katner (alto) joined the soprano and mezzo in a beautiful rendition of the angelic trio ‘Lift thine eyes’.
One audience member wrote the following comments: “We were very much moved by the music and the singing and it was a truly uplifting performance, one which we will treasure. A special thank you must go to the conductor, Kenneth Roberts, and the four soloists who performed outstandingly. Thanks to one and all for a deeply emotional and heartfelt rendition”.
Bexhill Choral is not resting on its laurels – rehearsals have already started for the next concert, Handel’s famous and much-loved oratorio ‘Messiah’, on Saturday 17th October at St Peter’s Church, Bexhill.
With plenty of time before the concert, this would be an excellent time to join and experience the proven health benefits of singing! Bexhill Choral Society is a non-audition choir which warmly welcomes new members, who are invited to come along to a few rehearsals free of charge to try it out. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at Little Common Community Centre. For further information on concerts, joining the choir, or to join the choir’s mailing list, email info@bexhillchoral.org.uk or visit bexhillchoral.org.uk.
