The Washington Chorus’ Innovative, New Production of Mendelssohn’s Elijah!
By • June 6, 2024 0 139
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TWC brings its season to its stunning conclusion with Elijah Reimagined on Saturday, June 8 at The Kennedy Center Concert Hall. This concert transforms Mendelssohn’s beloved oratorio Elijah into a immersive visual experience that brings the story of the biblical prophet — as performed by GRAMMY Award-winning Will Liverman — to life.
Immersive visual experiences are no longer exclusive to artists such as Van Gogh and Monet here in D.C., as demonstrated by The Washington Chorus’ upcoming production Elijah Reimagined on Saturday, June 8 at The Kennedy Center Concert Hall.
Featuring a vibrant projection design by Camilla Tassi, this innovative concert transforms Mendelssohn’s beloved oratorio Elijah into a spectacular auditory and visual experience that brings the story of the biblical prophet — as performed by GRAMMY Award-winning Will Liverman — to life.
TWC’s “The Hubble Cantata” (2017) performance, which featured a similar scrim with projection.
“One of my goals since joining The Washington Chorus has been to present older works in a new light,” said TWC Artistic Director Eugene Rogers. “In this instance, we are adding this powerful visual element of projections cast onto a barely visible scrim to complement and enhance the already fantastic text and music. It will be a new and different concert experience for many of our audiences.”
Mendelssohn’s Elijah is the perfect candidate for such a treatment, because the work already melds tradition and innovation, blending sacred baroque music and nineteenth century opera. The tale also finds unique footing in 2024. As Elijah journeys through fire, earthquakes, and drought, he also seeks the goodness in others, perseveres in times of struggle, finds light in the darkness, and questions his faith. Elijah is not an unyielding figure of stone, but a real flesh-and-blood character, and Mendelssohn works to highlight his contradictions and doubts instead of minimizing them amid the elemental forces around him.
“I think the story of Elijah is universal, as there are multiple messages and stories that will appeal to different audience members,” said Rogers. “The one that stands out most to me is how much Elijah loved people. To me, that is what we need most in our world: We need the kind of love for each other that Elijah had for humanity.”
Conducted by Dr. Rogers and accompanied by The Washington Chorus Orchestra, the concert also features the University of Michigan Chamber Choir, Children’s Chorus of Washington, and soloists Will Liverman (baritone), Caitlin Lynch (soprano), Antona Yost (mezzo-soprano), and Norman Shankle (tenor).
Tickets start at $15.
Visit thewashingtonchorus.org/elijah to purchase and learn more.
