Nelson Civic Choir are pleased to host Blenheim Choral Society and choirs from Golden Bay and Motueka in a 'Top of the South' performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah. This dramatic choral work will be conducted in Nelson Cathedral by Carl Browning; the role of Elijah will be sung by Robert Tucker.
Elijah has been a favourite for choral singers and their audiences since it was first performed in 1846. Based on Old Testament stories, it tells of miracles performed by Elijah the prophet, including the famous scene where he commands fire to descend from heaven to convince the people of the one true God. The drama is sustained through drought-breaking floods and scenes of self-doubt and healing until Elijah, his work complete, is finally swept to heaven by a whirlwind.
The choral pieces and solos are melodic and dramatic, carrying singers and audience through moods of despair, doubt, resilience, comfort, thankfulness and joy: emotions that listeners of any creed or none can readily share.
Nelson Civic Choir
