Perhaps the most familiar image associated with the Old Testament story of the life of Elijah is of the prophet ascending into heaven on a fiery chariot. This after his retreat into the desert as a result of his persecution by Queen Jezebel when he dared to call out the 'false gods' followed by Jezebel's husband King Ahab. But more relevant to our own times is the story of a brave man unafraid to 'speak truth to power' regardless of the consequences for him personally. 
Mendelssohn's oratorio brilliantly captures the dramatic contrast between Elijah the saviour of the people of Israel, and Elijah the outcast: 'a prophet without honour in his own land'. It is a magnicent piece of music with superb roles for soloists, choir, and orchestra, and has rightly become a key part of the choral repertoire.

Baritone: Andrew Rupp
Soprano: Mariana Fernandes
Mezzo-Soprano: Julia Sanchez Merino
Tenor: Harun Tekin
The Waverley Singers
Chameleon Arts Orchestra
Conductor: Richard Pearce