Maldon Choral to perform Mendelssohn's dramatic oratorio

Maldon Choral is joining forces with both Witham and Billericay Choral Societies to present Mendelssohn's dramatic oratorio, Elijah.

The work was composed in the spirit of Mendelssohn's Baroque predecessors, Bach and Handel, whose music he greatly admired, and written for the Birmingham Festival of 1846.

An audience of about 2,000 enjoyed the premiere. 

Maldon Choral is a registered charity and a member of the National Federation of Music Societies.

The foundations of the choir can be traced back to the 1920s when a group of Welsh miners migrated to Maldon in search of work.

In 1973 the choir joined forces with the Tolleshunt d'Arcy Singers to become Maldon Choral Society. 

The Elijah performance will boast a choir of around 100 singers, professional soloists and organ accompaniment from Ed Sutton, and take place at Christ Church, New London Road in Chelmsford, on April 1 at 7.30pm.

Ashley Thompson, musical director of both Maldon and Witham choral societies, will conduct the concert.

He said: "I'm looking forward to breathing new life into this well-loved 19th Century classic work. 

"The joy of having over 100 choral singers and soloists from across London and the south will be quite something."

Tenor soloist John Pierce, who put Maldon on the map when he was dubbed the 'Singing Painter', will return to the stage. 

A spokesman from Maldon Choral said: "We continue to learn and strive to perform to a high standard, and our broad repertoire suits a range of tastes, from Handel's Messiah to Gilbert and Sullivan's fun-loving operettas, from Bach to the Beatles. 

"And we like to involve youngsters singing with the choir by participating in joint concerts, particularly at the Christmas Carol Concert in Maldon town."

Tickets are available from £12 in advance and £15 at the door.

They can be booked at ticketsource.co.uk or by calling 0333 666 4466.

For more information about the choir, visit maldonchoralsociety.org.uk.