Wiener Symphoniker / Wiener Singakademie / Halls

Biblical forces

»As God the Lord of Israel liveth, before whom I stand: there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.« Elijah's sombre curse opens Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy's second oratorio. The work shows off Mendelssohn's flair for musical drama, and his sound painting skills. Its inexhaustible ingenuity in melody and form makes »Elijah« a milestone in Mendelssohn's oeuvre. It already enjoyed great popularity in the 19th century, not least in England. In 1896, the eminent musical scholar George Grove described it as the greatest oratorio of the century and categorized it in the same league as Handel's »Messiah«. Another Englishman Matthew Halls will conduct the Wiener Symphoniker and the Wiener Singakademie in a performance of this monumental choral work. Hall is well known for his dynamic and intelligent work with symphony and opera house orchestras, as well as the maturity of his interpretations. Florian Boesch will sing the title role, his dark-hued bass-baritone a perfect vocal fit for the prophet. The Austrian singer is critically acclaimed for the profundity and depth of his interpretations of his chosen repertoire. »Elijah« will mark the start to a special series dedicated to the Austrian singer at the Wiener Konzerthaus in the 2016/17 season. The other soloists in the star-studded line-up are Marlis Petersen, Christianne Stotijn and Michael Schade. The Wiener Singakademie promise to bring their characteristic vocal polish and power to the demanding choral writing in »Eljah«. With such an unparalleled line-up, the performance promises to be memorable in every aspect, a prophecy which is not sombre this time, but luminous.