Top singers to perform Elijah

Filipe Manu, second placegetter in the Lexus Song Quest, has the tenor role. Photo/supplied

After more than 10 years, the Tauranga Civic Choir is presenting Felix Mendelssohn's masterwork Elijah and have an exciting line up of young, accomplished soloists to perform with.

Elijah rates as one of the big three oratorio style choral works, beside Handel's Messiah and Bach's St Matthew Passion.

Bass/baritone Joel Amosa, known for his commanding performances, is Elijah's voice.

Filipe Manu, second placegetter in the Lexus Song Quest, has the tenor role.

"Soprano Elaine Woggan and mezzo-soprano Kayla Cunningham complete a superb array of vocal talent. Organist John Wells will master the demands of the score, making the organ roar and whisper as he tackles the nuances of this dramatic work," says publicist John Wanhill.

"Genius, master melody maker, prolific composer, controversial figure, held in contempt by racist Wagner, banned by the Nazis for being a Jew, Mendelssohn builds the oratorio on the epic Bible story of the prophet Elijah."

The work debuted in 1846 in Birmingham, and was an instant hit.

"Elijah's exploits include calling down a three year drought, his epic battle with the prophets of Baal, fleeing for his life, cursing King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, and so much more! No wonder that Elijah is regarded by Jews as their pre-eminent prophet. No wonder the work is a musical tour de force," he says.

Tickets $30 from Eventfinda, Creative Tauranga (booking fees apply). Door sales (Eftpos available).

the fine print
What: Elijah
Where: Holy Trinity Church Devonport Rd.
When: Saturday, 7.30pm.
Tickets: $30