Closing Concert: Mendelssohn’s Elijah

In this Closing Concert, discover Felix Mendelssohn's triumphant oratorio anew as the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and Royal Scottish National Orchestra breathe life into his most famous work.

Elijah follows the biblical story of the Old Testament prophet Elijah. Elijah defeats the worshippers of the false god Baal and performs extraordinary miracles, culminating in his exile by the ruthless Queen Jezebel.

Written for the 1846 Birmingham Music Festival by Mendelssohn, the score combines Baroque grandeur with luscious Romantic orchestration. Packed with thrilling choruses and lyrical solos and ensembles, Elijah promises to delight. Elijah himself gets some of the most evocative numbers, from his dramatic aria Is not his word like a fire?’ to his pensive soliloquy It is enough’.

At its premiere this piece was hailed as a total triumph' and was performed at every subsequent Birmingham Music Festival. The Edinburgh Festival Chorus, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and line up of stellar soloists join forces to infuse Mendelssohn’s celebrated work with fresh energy.

Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Thomas Søndergård Conductor

Edinburgh Festival Chorus
James Grossmith Chorus Director

Rising Stars of Voice

Christopher Maltman Elijah
Mari Eriksmoen The Widow
Karen Cargill An Angel
Ben Bliss Obadiah

Mendelssohn Elijah, Op.70

Sung in English with surtitles