Ipswich Choral Society with Halifax Choral Society present Mendelssohn’s Elijah

Premièred in 1846 at the Birmingham Festival, Elijah has been a popular piece within the British choral repertory and performed countless times since. Ipswich Choral Society have performed the oratorio over 20 times, the earliest performance recorded being 1851. In 1947, a performance of Elijah was given by Ipswich Choral Society for the centenary of Mendelssohn's death and soloists included soprano Isobel Baillie and contralto Kathleen Ferrier.

Special guests Halifax Choral Society, founded in 1817, will be celebrating their 200th anniversary this year and performing Elijah with Ipswich Choral Society at the Snape concert as well as a performance in Halifax on 19th March. With Ipswich Choral Society founded in 1824, having the two longest established choral societies performing together will result in a very special experience for both choirs and the audience.

Ipswich Choral Society is delighted to be performing Elijah with Halifax Choral Society for their bicentenary anniversary. Both societies living proof that the popular 19th century pastime of joining a choral society is still as enjoyable now in the 21st century.

Ipswich Choral Society has begun work on Mendelssohn’s popular oratorio Elijah with rehearsals being caught on camera by members of Ipswich and District Photographic Society. An exhibition will be held at Snape Malting Concert Hall on 29 April showcasing the best photos from rehearsals and a special performance of Elijah in Halifax, West Yorkshire.