Spring brings a burst of musical colour and life in the renowned Halifax Choral Society’s Spring Concert
with the North of England Classical Orchestra
at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax
on Sunday 19th March 2017 at 4.00 pm.
HCS Elijah A5 10.16 (1)
Here are the details of our first celebration concert of our 200th year; we were founded in 1817 and we believe that we are the oldest choral society in the world. Over that long period we have performed the vast majority of the choral repertoire. This is the first event in a very special year of music making, including a brand new work, specially commissioned by ourselves, a visit to sing in the Snape Maltings in Suffolk, a CD recording of our new work, a specially commissioned book on the history of the choir, written by the eminent Halifax historian Dr John Hargreaves, and much more. Whilst our members are all amateur singers from many walks of life, the choir is very highly regarded for the quality of its singing. Having a choir of this calibre in Halifax means that there is no need to travel into either Leeds or Manchester to attend concerts of the highest quality. This concert offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the drama and excitement of the musical story of ‘ELIJAH’.
This is the major choral work of the celebrated Victorian composer Felix Mendelssohn, who was a great favourite of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The work was commissioned for the Birmingham Music Festival of 1846, and it seems that members of the Halifax Choral Society took part, as the work was performed again in Halifax later that same year. It has rightly remained a very popular work ever since.
The titanic battle between rival prophets, and the whirlwind and fire from heaven are spectacular, contrasting with the wretchedness of drought and famine and the strong faith of the widow and her son who care for Elijah. A wonderfully crafted oratorio, not to be missed.
Along with the Halifax Choral Society, we welcome, as our guests, members of the Ipswich Choral Society (who as the 2nd oldest Choral society wanted to work with HCS as the oldest!), so the impressive forces of singers will themselves be a feature of the concert.
In order to fit all the many musicians on stage for this epic concert, we have an innovative stage layout which will bring some of the orchestra into the auditorium area on a raised platform. This should add much extra interest for the audience.
There are four very talented young soloists, Catrin Pryce-Jones soprano, Emma Stannard mezzo, Peter Harris tenor, and Paul Grant baritone. The conductor for this impressively ambitious concert is the Choral Society’s celebrated music director, John Pryce-Jones.
Tickets for this special event range from £9:00 to £23:00 with discounts available, on sale from the Theatre Box Office on 01422 351158 or online at www.victoriatheatre.co.uk
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