Closing concert: Karina Canellakis conducts Mendelssohn's Elijah

Felix Mendelssohn - Elias. Programme Felix Mendelssohn Elias A biblical spectacular as the finale of the AVROTROS Friday Concert season. The Radio Filharmonisch Orkest and the Groot Omroepkoor dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the two-hour long oratorio Elias. Mendelssohn composed this musical drama about the life of the prophet Elias following the example of the passions of Bach and Händel. Mendelssohn's love for the music of Bach resonates in every intense note. Mendelssohn's passion The Elias of Mendelssohn is an oratorio of biblical proportions in the classical passion tradition. Mendelssohn closely follows the fortunes of the Old Testament prophet. With all his might, Elias defends the faith in the one, true God. It all passes by in solo pieces, choir parts and instrumental intermezzi: disaster, heavenly fires and the appearance of the Messiah. The German composer poured his last remnants of life energy into it. A year after completing Elias, he died. Lifelike drama Performances of Mendelssohn's Elias are rare. It is an evening-length musical drama that requires the full commitment of all involved. With Elias, Mendelssohn wanted to create a lifelike drama, with characters that touch heart and soul. Conductor Karina Canellakis and the Radio Filharmonisch Orkest know what they have to do. They receive support from the Groot Omroepkoor and top soloists such as alto Wiebke Lehmkuhl and bass-baritone Samuel Hasselhorn.