A review of Chiswick Choir's 'memorable' performance

Those music lovers who could not attend the Chiswick Choir’s performance of Elijah on Saturday, 27th March, at St. Peter’s Church, W4, missed a real treat.

The oratorio was first performed at the Birmingham Triennial Festival in 1846 and the work became one of Mendelssohn’s great successes in England. Historically, oratorios were written to teach an illiterate faithful their bible stories and this work draws largely from the account of Elijah in the book of Kings.

Alistair Jones, who has been conducting the Chiswick Choir since 1984 with great flair and enthusiasm, brought the best out of the choir demonstrating vividly the dramatic crowd choruses such as ‘woe to him’, ‘watching over Israel’ and the famous trio, ‘lift thine eyes’ was sung most beautifully by the ladies of the choir.

The soloists were led by Stephen Foulkes as Elijah who was in great voice; powerful when required and also with excellent diction. Austin Gunn sung the tenor part with the most beautiful tone, Kathryn Hide sung soprano and Louise Tucker (Stephen’s wife) took the alto part, both sung with great distinction.

All in all, a memorable evening.

March 29, 2010