Toronto Mendelssohn Choir – Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah

reviewed by Paula Citron
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Elijah
Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Conducted by Noel Edison
Starring Nathan Berg, Joni Henson, Marcia Whitehead, Colin Balzer and Dezso Lovicsek
At Massey Hall
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The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir gave the oratorio Elijah by their namesake a passionate delivery. Conductor Noel Edison pulled out all the stops to get the full assault of sound, but he never forgot nuance and modulation.

Bass-baritone Nathan Berg was a magnificent Elijah who took real chances pushes his commanding voice through an emotional rollercoaster. He fully invested himself in the role which meant we were taken on a wonderful musical journey.

Soprano Joni Henson proved once again that she has one of the most thrilling voices among young Canadian singers. The bright sound combined with her soaring, arching phrases and tonal heft is absolutely compelling.

Tenor Colin Balzer was a very nice find. He has a gorgeous light lyric voice and easy delivery, and is definitely one to watch. Mezzo-soprano Marcia Whitehead has stunning low notes and impressive sound, but it is soft in tone. She needed more force to match the others. 10-year-old Dezso Lovicsek was the Youth with piping sound.