First performed in its revised version in 1847 and filled with dramatic and beautiful music, the work reveals Mendelssohn’s deep humanity, and remains in the estimation of critics one of the greatest oratorios ever written.
The performance will feature a 42-member choir with David Dennis, the choir director at Washington Middle School, in the role of Elijah. Rachel Smith, applied voice teacher at ECC who performs regularly with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus will also be a featured vocalist.
“I have always felt that Mendelssohn's music is the combination of the greatest parts of the Baroque period, the Classical period, and the Romantic period,” noted Sexton, who also serves as director of choral music at ECC. “ Elijah is among his greatest works, so all the drama of each of these periods is in full effect in the work.”
“I think everyone in the area will be surprised with not only the choir, but especially with the local soloists,” Sexton said.
This piece depicts various events in the life of the Biblical prophet Elijah, taken from 1 and 2 Kings in the Old Testament. Elijah is modeled on the oratorios of two Baroque masters, Bach and Handel, and reflects Mendelssohn's genius as an early Romantic composer.
First United Methodist Church is located at 4349 St. Johns Road, just off East Highway 100 in Washington.
Elijah David Dennis, bass-baritone
Widow/Queen Rachel Smith, soprano
Obadiah Andrew Thomas, tenor
The Angel Heather Scott, mezzo-soprano
Youth Heather DeJack, soprano
Ahab/Angel David North, tenor
Angels Colleen Clifton, Heather DeJack,
Starlyte Kuhl, Mary Maynard,
Jessica North, and Heather Scott
Soprano Alto
Amy Bell Gina Aitch
Jessica Cahill Kathy Brueggemann
Colleen Clifton Katthlean Burkhead
Heather DeJack Kristy Fitzpatrick
Teresa Dobsch Patsy Green
Miranda Green Marissa Hewkin
Autumn Hall Pam Hohenstreet
Martha Hamende Mary Maynard
Starlyte Kuhl Donna McDonnell
Kendra Lee Amy Randles
Molly Mulford Penny Sauer
Jessica North Heather Scott
Laurie Riekhof Sarah Sexton
Cheryl Shollenberger Caitlin Von Seckendorff
Rebecca Strupp
Tenor Bass
Andrew Lindberg David Dennis
David North Andrew Finck
Melissa Potter Kirk Hancox
Vince Sanfilippo Aaron Kruel
Andrew Thomas Ken McDonnell
Jeff Ruether
Jim Shollenberger
