Mendelssohn's Elijah performed by the Oban Bach Choir and Orchestra

Hiya again
Yesterday saw the performance of Felix Mendelssohn's ELIAS/ELIJAH by the Oban Bach Choir and Orchestra, complemented by Soprano, Louise Childs; Mezzo-soprano, Julie Martin-Carter; Tenor, Christopher Josey; and Bass, Martin Shaw.
I sent out a circular to inform friends and family and received an overwhelming number of messages of support and well wishing for the event. Thank you so much, everyone!
The words have worked for it was a rather impressive event, even if I say so myself. We filled the space of the world's quirkiest cathedral with Mendelssohn's moving and magnificent music.
It was no mean feat for what was a ninety-per cent amateur orchestra and a one-hundred per cent amateur choir. The choir and orchestra had been rehearsing for about ten months, but we had just a few hours of intense rehearsal with the brass and wind section and the vocalists. Our four professional vocal soloists were simply breathtaking and it was pure joy to listen to them and to watch them perform, even from behind.
While I'm very proud and happy to have been part of this significant undertaking, I do think I've had my fill of religious music, at least for now. As I'm also part of the Oban Gaelic choir, I may dedicate a bit more of my time to pushing my Gaelic, which is still extremely limited: all I can say is "How are you?" and "Good night, my dear, sleep well." Not exactly conversational level, just yet... ;)
But, just in case you want to work your travel plans round some live classical music in Oban, here's a brief list of events in this lovely wee town on the edge of Europe:
• Sat., May 23, 7.30pm, St. John's Cathedral: Cordis Vocalis (Women's choir from Ullevål Universitetssykehus, Norway)
• Sat., June 6, 4.00pm, St. Columba's Cathedral: RSCM Scottish Triennial Festival: Choristers from all over Scotland celebrate St. Columba. Includes Part 5 of Norman Nicholson's cantata Saint Columba of Iona. [As well as an exquisite organist, Norman Nicholson is the much-loved conductor and choir master of the Oban Bach Orchestra and Choir]
• Sat., June 27, 7.30pm, St. John's: Choristers from St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh
• Sat., July 4, 7.30pm, St. John's: Mendelssohn on Mull Festival Concert
• Sat., July 25, St. John's: Scottish Chamber Orchestra (Wind Section)
• Sun., Aug 30, St. John's: Martin Shaw and family (Vocal recital)

More soon. Cheerioh!