LEICESTER MERCURY

23/11/04 

ELIJAH, by LEICESTER PHILHARMONIC CHOIR

DE MONTFORT HALL,  LEICESTER, 20/11/04

By JOYCE PARKIN

Choir hits all the right notes

BRAVO! Leicester Philharmonic Choir gave one of the finest performances of Elijah I have heard.   

They were accompanied by the English Festival Orchestra with organ, and the superb soloists were Linda Richardson (soprano), Claire Bradshaw (mezzo-soprano), Andrew Kennedy (tenor) and bass Paul Whelan-what a voice!

The conductor was Brian Kay who gave detailed direction.

Mendelssohn’s music is both melodic and beautifully orchestrated, giving glorious moments. The soloists were wonderful, and particularly lovely were If With All Your Hearts (tenor), O Rest in the Lord (mezzo), and Hear Ye Israel, beautifully sung by the soprano.

Helen Cawrey of “The Phil” was admirable as the Youth. But the bass, who did most of the work, was superb.

His Lord God of Abraham was outstanding, while It Is Enough was inspiring.

As for the choir; their preparation was obviously meticulous. There were so many wonderful moments to wallow in.

Dynamics took us from the desperate plea Help Lord, through sweetness, the excitement of Hear Our Cry O Baal, and the jubilant Thanks Be To God. There was also the sublime trio Lift Thine Eyes and the climax And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth.

A sizeable audience witnessed a spell-binding performance.