Public radio from Western Michigan University 102.1 NPR News | 89.9 Classical WMUK
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Mezzo Soloist Ariana Chris Sings 'Elijah's' Praises

arianachris.com

  Mezzo soprano Ariana Chris joins fellow soloists baritone Jason Stearns, soprano Carla Thelan Hanson, and tenor Charles Reid, the Western Michigan University Grand Chorus and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra to perform Mendelssohn's oratorio Elijah, under the direction of maestro Raymond Harvey on Friday night. Ms. Chris, who lives in Toronto, first performed in Kalamazoo at the invitation of Raymond Harvey in 2011, in a production of Verdi's La Traviata.

Credit arianachris.com
Ariana Chris

Mendelssohn's oratorio is one of the most dramatic and exciting works of its kind, according to Ms. Chris. She says that even though it's a sacred story lifted from the Old Testament, it has the dramatic highs and lows of grand opera. She and her fellow soloists have the opportunity to fill in many points of view during Elijah's journey.

Cara Lieurance is the local host of NPR's All Things Considered on 1021 WMUK and covers local arts & culture on Let's Hear It on 89.9 Classical WMUK weekday mornings at 10 - 11 am.
Related Content