Westchester Oratorio Society to present Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” at Temple Beth El in Chappaqua on May 6

On Sunday afternoon, May 6, Benjamin Niemczyk and the Westchester Oratorio Society will present a 15th Anniversary performance of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua, reprising the group’s debut concert in Bedford.    

Mendelssohn’s Old Testament oratorio “Elijah” is widely considered to be the composer’s masterpiece and the greatest oratorio of the 19th Century.  Mr. Niemczyk, the group’s Artistic Director and Conductor, said he was looking forward to performing the work in the Congregation’s distinctive wooden Sanctuary which he called “inspiring.” Designed by noted 20th Century architect Louis Kahn, the space was built to evoke the old Synagogues of Eastern Europe. 

Mr. Niemczyk, who is a Brooklyn resident and a founding member of C4 (Choral Composer/Conductor Collective, www.c4ensemble.org), the nation’s largest new music choral ensemble, pointed to the oratorio society’s tradition of working with some of the finest young musicians in the NYC area, noting that the group’s debut performance of “Elijah” featured Mezzo-Soprano Josie Perez who went on to establish a major career.

The 15th Anniversary performance will feature Baritone, Matthew Singer, who will perform the role of Elijah, with Mezzo-Soprano Roseanne Ackerley, Alto Alice Dryden, Tenor Christopher Ellmann, Baritone Eric Burkhardt  and Soprano Hattie Herman.  The orchestra, contracted by Kallie Ciechomski, a young accomplished performer in her own right, is comprised of some of the most talented players working in Manhattan.  For Mr. Niemczyk, the young musicians provide an exceptional level of energy.  “They are a talented group for whom the opportunity to perform a full oratorio is still an adventure,” the conductor noted.

Now in its fifth year under Mr. Niemczyk's baton, the Westchester Oratorio Society is known for its local performances of early music, traditional choral masterworks and contemporary pieces, as well as its appearances in the New York metropolitan area including with Rebel Baroque Orchestra and the Brooklyn Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.  Founded in South Salem in 1997, the group rehearses on Tuesday evenings in Katonah.

Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester is located at 220 South Bedford Road in Chappaqua.  The performance begins at 3 PM and a reception will follow.  For more information or to purchase tickets call 914-763-9389, email westchesteroratorio@gmail.com or visit the group’s website at www.westchesteroratorio.org,  The group can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westchesteroratorio.