Lewisham Choral Society presents Elijah: a fiery musical feast

Following their spectacular performance of Verdi's Requiem, Lewisham Choral Society and The Derbyshire Singers return to the Fairfield Halls to perform Mendelssohn’s magnificent Elijah. This colourful work takes us on a musical journey: the drought-stricken people’s plea for help, Jehovah and Baal’s fierce battle, a fiery sacrifice, rain falling on the parched earth and the prophet’s ascent to Heaven in a blazing chariot. Mendelssohn’s music is both highly dramatic and richly lyrical – a feast indeed!

Lewisham Choral Society is one of London’s most popular and accomplished community choirs with a wide-ranging repertoire, from ancient to contemporary. We have performed in many major venues, including the Cadogan, Festival and Fairfield Halls as well as abroad. We have worked with ENO, the BBC and The Young Vic and were proud to take part in the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in 2012. Recent reviews describe Lewisham Choral Society performances as 'magnificent', 'exhilarating' and 'nerve-tingling'.

The Derbyshire Singers are one of the most highly regarded choirs in the East Midlands, working regularly with national and international professional artists. Conductor Dan Ludford-Thomas, former choirboy of the year, has sung in leading vocal ensembles and conducted in many major concert halls. He has worked on BBC's ‘The Choir’ and is Music Director of Lewisham Choral Society and the Concordia Chamber Choir, Director of Hackney Singers and Head of Singing at Dulwich College. Forest Philharmonic, a popular London orchestra, has gained an impressive reputation for its high quality and vitality.