Masterwork premiers at Carmel Palladium

Often proclaimed “one of the greatest choral works ever,” the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will commemorate their 80th anniversary with a rare performance of Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah at the Palladium at the Center for Performing Arts in Carmel on Friday, March 17 at 8 p.m.

On the heels of a major performance of Zabur at the famed Carnegie Hall in October 2016, the upcoming Elijah performance will celebrate the Symphonic Choir’s milestone anniversary while representing its dedication to a rich tradition of masterful choral pieces.

“In the arts and entertainment world, institutions and individuals often become associated with a particular piece of music or song,” states Eric Stark, Artistic Director and conductor of the Symphonic Choir. “In the case of the Symphonic Choir, this stunning composition, Elijah, by Felix Mendelssohn would be one of our most signature works.”

Adds Executive Director Michael Pettry, “Although the Symphonic Choir performs music from so many different genres and styles, when you boil it down, this organization especially excels when performing major, large-scale works like Elijah. Put another way: Elijah is solidly in our institutional wheelhouse and is sure to impress.”

The 2017 performance of Elijah features the 170 voices of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir (among the largest and oldest choruses in the nation) joined by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. The performance will feature soprano Christina Pier, mezzo-soprano Kate Maroney, tenor Thomas Cooley, and baritone Christòphern Nomura playing the role of Elijah.

Tickets are on sale now and range from $20-$60. They may be purchased at indychoir.org or by calling the Palladium box office at (317) 843-3800. Student tickets are available for a special rate of only $15.

Elijah is made possible by presenting sponsor Barnes & Thornburg.

For performance details, audio preview links, photos and ticket information, visit indychoir.org.

About the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is honored to be one of the nation’s established and dynamic musical institutions, marking its 80th Anniversary Season in 2016/2017. Among the most active symphonic choruses in the United States, the Choir reaches in excess of 25,000 people each season with more than 25 performances and a comprehensive educational outreach program. The 200 volunteer singers demonstrate the Choir’s commitment to musical excellence through their talent and dedication during each 42-week season. The choral partner of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Symphonic Choir was founded in 1937 at the ISO’s request to perform the great choral-orchestral repertoire. This continued partnership exhibits the very best of collaborative ideals – two independent arts organizations combining their strengths to create beautifully lasting musical results. The Choir is dedicated to excellence in the performance of choral music, the creation of new choral masterworks, and to community outreach and education throughout the community. The Choir is now in its ninth year as the official choral partner of the Indianapolis Public Schools, providing teacher training, educational resources, performance experiences and free printed music. The Symphonic Choir also presents the All-City Honor Choir, a partnership with IPS for musically gifted students. For more information about the Symphonic Choir, visit www.indychoir.org.

 

PLAN TO ATTEND

What: Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah

When: March 17 at 8 p.m.

Where: Carmel Palladium

Cost: $20-$60 ($15 for students)

Tickets: indychoir.org or by call (317) 843-3800.