Newsroom

CORVALLIS - The Oregon State University combined choirs will join with the Corvallis-OSU Symphony Orchestra and professional soloists in a Choral Classics performance of Felix Mendelssohn's dramatic oratorio, "Elijah," on Friday, March 8.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at LaSells Stewart Center on the OSU campus.

Conducted by Steven Zielke, the performance is part of the Choral Arts Series presented by the OSU Department of Music. Previous Choral Classics performances include Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" and Mozart's "Requiem."

Mendelssohn's "Elijah" is a musical feast of dramatic choruses, beautiful arias, and expressive recitative based on the biblical story from I Kings, using text from throughout the Old Testament. The oratorio sets Elijah's most well-known exploits, including the raising from the dead of the widow's son, the confrontation with the prophets of Baal, the drought and miraculous return of rain, his conflict with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, and his ascension into heaven on a chariot of fire.

Clayton Brainerd will sing the role of Elijah. A native Oregonian, Brainerd is widely acclaimed for his performances of both oratorio and opera. Carol-Ann Manz, soprano, will sing the role of the widow. Lisa Actor, mezzo-soprano, will sing the role of the Angel and Queen Jezebel, and Mark Beudert, tenor, will perform the role of Obadiah.

"Mendelssohn composed more than a poignant melody or dramatic harmony," Zielke said. "He created a musical drama with powerful characters and inventive dramatic flow. The work is really a series of dramatic scenes with the soloists portraying characters and the chorus serving as the people."

Tickets are $15 for adults, and $8 for students, and are available at Grass Roots Bookstore, Gracewinds Music, the OSU Department of Music, and Sid Steven's Jewelers in Albany. Admission is free for OSU students with ID.

For more information, call 541-737-4061.