Mission
The Galesburg Community Chorus seeks to share the gift of great choral music, inspire
new generations with the love of singing, and broaden our reach to all people.
The Galesburg Community Chorus hosts guest concerts annually, which bring a wide variety of musical styles to our area.
Additionally, area groups, both choral and instrumental, are often invited to perform at concerts with the Galesburg Community Chorus.
Next In Concert
Mendelssohn's Elijah
Presented by
the Galesburg Community Chorus,
the Knox College Chorus,
and the Knox-Galesburg Symphony
with the Monmouth College
Chorale
Conducted by Dr. Laura Lane
Saturday, May 6th
7:30 pm
Central Congregational Church
Galesburg
The Music
Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah, an oratorio for large chorus and orchestra based on the life and deeds of the Biblical prophet Elijah, is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of its kind. Mendelssohn wrote to his brother about the oratorio’s premiere in 1846, “No work of mine ever went so admirably the first time of execution, or was received with such enthusiasm, by both the musicians and the audience.” Since then, it has remained one of the most often performed choral-orchestral works in the classical repertoire, second only to works like Handel’s Messiah.
The Conductor
Dr. Laura Lane, who will retire this spring from her position as Director of Choral Activities at Knox College after a 40-year career, is thrilled to be directing Elijah as her last concert with the Knox College Choir. She writes, “I especially love conducting the big choral-orchestral works because I love the challenge of helping the performers get every ounce of expression and emotion we can get in each moment. Plus, Elijah itself is so beautiful and exciting! I chose Elijah because of the beauty of the music, the power of the story and the fact that the chorus plays a huge role in creating the dramatic impact.”
The Collaboration
The Knox-Galesburg Symphony, originally founded to play with the Galesburg Community Chorus, is returning to its roots with this collaborative concert. Lucas Wood, Executive Director, wrote, “I am so happy members of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony can work together with the Galesburg Community Chorus and these two talented college choirs to continue our community’s great tradition presenting choral and orchestral masterworks such as Elijah. As a singer myself, I know there are few experiences more powerful than the downbeat of a choral work with orchestra and it is wonderful that we can bring these moments to life with our local singers!”
Generously sponsored by
