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.
Print this page