Yarn Market Hotel, Dunster

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) like Mozart before him, showed musical talent at a very early age and had composed many of his most famous works by the time he was 20 years old.

He was also a very gifted performer on both piano and organ, and an inspiring conductor.

Mendelssohn was responsible for reviving public interest in the music of Bach, and was the conductor at the first modern performance of the St. Matthew Passion. His own love for oratorio came from working with the music of Bach and also Handel and Haydn. He was also influenced by the British love of choral music and singing in particular, as he visited England many times and was very popular with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Mendelssohn’s first oratorio was St. Paul, first performed in 1836, and he was interested in following this with a work on the subject of the Old Testament prophet Elijah. However, he could not find anyone to write a libretto, so the project was shelved. In 1845, however, he received a commission for a new oratorio from the Birmingham Festival Committee, and he gladly accepted, taking the chance to bring his Elijah into being. He assembled much of the libretto himself, as he wanted a very dramatic approach to the story. The character of Elijah himself is very clearly drawn, in almost operatic style. Much of the writing is lyrical in character and very expressive, with imaginative orchestration and a great variety within the arias and choruses. The work has recently be come more popular after a post-war decline, and is now back in the repertoire of many choral societies.

Elijah was an overwhelming success at its first performance in Birmingham Town Hall, with many sections being encored and deafening cheers and applause at the conclusion for Mendelssohn, who conducted it himself.

Course Leader ~ Ian Chesworth BSc(Hons) BA(Hons) DipMus ARCO

Organist ~ Keith Jones M.A. (Cantab),L.R.A.M., Dip. Ed.

Friday Arrive and check in during afternoon

Welcome Reception
Dinner in Hotel Restaurant

8.00 First Rehearsal (finishes 10.30pm with Hot Chocolate)

Saturday

8.00 Breakfast (Available until 9.30)
9.30 until 12.15 Rehearsals (Coffee Break at 10.30 approx.)
Lunch (Soup and rolls)
Afternoon excursion
4.00 to 6.45 Rehearsal
7.15 Dinner in Hotel Restaurant
8.45 Ceilidh (finishes with Hot Chocolate 11.00pm)

Sunday

8.00 Breakfast (Available until 9.30)
9.30 until 10.30 Final Rehearsal
10.30 Coffee
10.45 Walk around Dunster – or Church Sunday Service
12.15 Sunday Lunch
2.30 Performance
From 5.00 Optional Evening Meal (not included in Price)

Residents £160 sharing Double/Twin, £200 Single

Non-Residents All Activities and Meals (except Breakfast) £90

Singing Sessions Only £20

Bookings - Yarn Market Hotel, Dunster TA24 6SF. Tel: 01643 821425

Weekend Itinerary