Spring 2008 | Mendelssohn's Elijah

Manchester, Chester and Windsor

During his week at Chets, Paul McCreesh not only conducted Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in rehearsals and performance, but also lead a rare open session for local musicians and choral singers, giving them the chance to play, sing and explore Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah in an event called YOUR Elijah. Further coachings from Gabrieli principals and Paul McCreesh led to three concerts by the Chetham's Symphony Orchestra and Chorus joined by two local choirs from the Manchester area. Performances were held in Chester and Manchester Cathedrals and at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Shortly after the final concert of Haydn’s Creation in October 2006, rumours soon began to spread about the possible return of Paul McCreesh, attempting to conquer yet another oratorio in just eight days! With February Half Term 2008 quickly approaching, work began in preparation for the arrival of Paul and the Gabrielis. Mendelssohn’s Elijah was the piece to be performed, and with less than a week until the first concert, everyone finally realised the true scope of the task ahead. Being a member of the string section of the orchestra, we received regular tutoring from the Gabrieli string principals who were always on hand to spy the sections for any stray vibrato or forbidden bow articulation! Paul (a.k.a Maestro!) then brought the whole work together, expecting full concentration and commitment from us all, as well as finding time to get to know us individually and tell some much appreciated jokes! For me personally, the knowledge and skills gained (not to mention the collective enjoyment of the experience as a whole) when working with Paul McCreesh and Gabrieli instrumentalists on these two occasions form some of the highlights of my time at Chetham’s; this is something which I believe is shared by all those involved.
- Graham Sale (Upper Sixth Form Student, Chetham’s School of Music)