Elijah wins Chorale audiences

Soloists Leon Warnock, Gabrielle Deschamps, Kim Kirkman, Judit Molnar, Sebastian Maclaine. All photos Ann Milland.

By Jim Fagan

Noosa Chorale celebrated the 30th year of its founding with a brace of concerts last weekend that had its audiences captivated.

The choir selected world famous oratorio Elijah for its anniversary and, with former Ten Tenor and accomplished musician, Kim Kirkman as guest conductor, performed Felix Mendelssohn’s superbly inspiring choruses about the Biblical prophet with intense feeling and impact.

Opera Queensland baritone Leon Warnock gave a masterful performance in the demanding role of Elijah and the other three soloists soprano Judit Molnar, alto Gabrielle Deschamps and tenor Sebastian Maclaine were particularly impressive in their arias.

A symphony orchestra of 26 Sunshine Coast musicians accompanied the choir.