Few compositions document as compellingly as Elijah the shifting critical reception accorded Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809-1847) during the past one hundred and fifty years. At the English premiere, heard at the Birmingham Musical Festival in 1846, Elijah was hailed as an undisputed masterpiece; since then it has remained a staple part of the oratorio repertory,… Read More
Opening Weekend of Festival of Carols could be summed-up in myriad words, phrases or …even better, through favorite holiday classics: “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” comes to mind as we see a chorus of 150 singers decked out in their holiday red attire surrounded by wreaths, garland and twinkling lights. “O Come,… Read More
From time to time, we invite a guest blogger to share their insights. In this installment, Janet – a member of the Symphonic Choir alto section – sheds light on preparations for the Choir’s return to Carnegie Hall on October 16, 2016. As tonight’s choir practice ended, I switched on the radio in my car… Read More