Bass-baritone Benjamin Hendry-Watkins will perform the title role of Elijah.

We’re delighted to be performing Mendelssohn’s magnificent oratorio Elijah on Saturday 14 November 2026 at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church. It’s a particularly special occasion for us at Southampton Choral Society (SCS), as this will be our first performance of the work since 1996!

Our history with Elijah goes back to 1963, when we first performed this monumental work under the baton of our founder J Ambrose Chalk at Southampton Guildhall. Now, three decades after our last performance, we’re looking forward to bringing its drama, passion and unforgettable music to life once again.

We’re thrilled to welcome four outstanding soloists to join us: bass-baritone Benjamin Hendry-Watkins in the title role, soprano Jenni Harper, mezzo-soprano Claire Sutton-Williams and tenor Richard Thesiger-Pratt.

We’re especially pleased to welcome Jenni back after her performance with us earlier this year in Cecilia McDowall’s Da Vinci Requiem.

Mendelssohn’s Elijah tells the dramatic story of the Old Testament prophet, with powerful confrontations, moments of deep reflection and music that ranges from intimate solo passages to thrilling, full-scale choruses. It’s a work that offers something for everyone, whether you already love choral music or are discovering this repertoire for the first time.

We’ll be joined by Cheriton Singers, the Conchord Singers and the Winchester Symphony Orchestra for what promises to be a memorable musical occasion.

We’d love you to join us as we revisit this remarkable work and begin a new chapter in our own Elijah story.

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