Featuring renowned Canadian operatic baritone Russell Braun as Elijah, soprano Melody Courage, mezzo-soprano Emma Parkinson and tenor Jean-Philippe Lazure!
Few oratorios reach the dramatic heights of Felix Mendelssohn's biggest choral work, with musical battles between rival deities and the prophet's ascent to heaven in a chariot of fire.
Peter Butterfield conducts the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, orchestra and a roster of noted Canadian soloists.
Canadian lyric operatic baritone Russell Braun has a distinguished career on leading concert, opera and recital stages around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera and the Salzburg Festival. From the Ottawa Citizen (2016):
"From his first commanding declaration, Braun simply was Elijah: at turns prophetic and stern, mocking and vengeful, and full of care and concern. Above all, Braun made the almost operatic story come alive.”
Soloists Melody Courage, Emma Parkinson and Jean-Philippe Lazure are increasingly in demand on opera and concert stages across the country, including in Victoria, where Ms. Courage and Ms. Parkinson are appearing in February in Pacific Opera Victoria's production of The Little Prince.
Although this production doesn't involve 400 choristers and 125 players as Mendelssohn conducted at the work's premiere in Birmingham in 1846, the composer's own genius infused with the spirit of his musical heroes Bach and Handel will make it an evening to remember.
Tickets are $40 regular & 15 student (plus eventbrite fees) from LINK HERE; children under 13 enter free.
Russell Braun's appearance is underwritten by David Wooldridge and the late Christine Wooldridge, founding VPC members and long-time choristers.
The VPC is also grateful for the generous support of the CRD Arts & Culture Support Service, the Victoria Foundation, the Hamber Foundation, a number of private donors and Christ Church Cathedral.